Renewed push for NJ Clone & Kill Bill, A2840/S1909. Immediate Action Needed!!!

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The Times of Trenton

On covering stem-cell research

By MARIE TASY

The Times' story covering a panel discussion on stem-cell research and its subsequent editorial advocating passage of S-1909/A-2840 had a number of important omissions and inaccuracies. Curiously, absent from The Times' coverage was any mention of three women, including me, who participated in the panel discussion, which leads one to wonder whether the editors of The Times, for all their championing of women's rights, actually believes that women's voices should be heard in this debate (``Stem cell research debated,'' Oct. 11). It's also sad that The Times could not present its view without resorting to name-calling.

The Times failed to mention important issues covered during the panel discussion, which include, but are not limited to, the uncontested fact that human embryonic stem cells have never been used successfully in clinical trials in humans and carry significant risks, including immune rejection and tumor formation.

Also omitted was the fact that there are myriad studies documenting cases where adult stem cells using umbilical cord blood, placenta, amniotic fluid, neural, muscle, fat and skin cells have shown great advances in curing diseases and illnesses that include Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. A study published in the Jan. 23, 2002, New Scientist reports on research conducted at the University of Minnesota showing that stem cells taken from adult bone marrow have the ability to proliferate extensively in culture and form virtually any tissue in the body _ properties once claimed exclusively for embryonic stem cells.

Another important point raised during the panel discussion, but not covered, was the concern that cloning techniques will lead to a new exploitation of women, subjecting them to undergo invasive procedures and use superovulatory drugs that increase their risk of developing cancer, as well as early osteoporosis. Even the scientists involved in the research are admitting that it would take ``thousands of human eggs on an assembly line'' to produce custom therapy for a single person. Thomas Okarma, chief executive of Geron Corp, a cell therapy company, said of therapeutic cloning, the odds favoring success ``are vanishingly small'' (``Clone Profit? Unlikely,'' May 10, 2002). The New York Times echoed that sentiment saying that research using embryonic stem cells and therapeutic cloning using artificially manufactured cloned human embryos is not even close to being perfected, let alone yielding cures (``The Promise of Therapeutic Cloning,'' Jan. 5).

The Times' editorial (``Time to pass the stem-cell bill,'' Oct. 14), erroneously stated that a N.J. bill (A-2840/S-1909) authorizing embryonic stem- cell research is identical to a California bill passed last year. The California bill has a 14-day limit on maintaining embryos for research. The N.J. bill has no such limit. In fact, the N.J. bill explicitly authorizes the artificial creation of human embryos through cloning (somatic cell nuclear transplantation) and experimentation up until birth. That is because cloning is defined in the proposed legislation very broadly _ the prohibited conduct is drawn at the ``newborn stages.'' In addition, while the bill makes it illegal to buy or sell embryonic or fetal tissue for profit, it allows ``reasonable payment'' for embryonic or cadaveric fetal tissue production, implantation, transplantation and preservation costs. This would authorize a commercial market in the sale of baby parts. To say the bill is extreme is an understatement.

Moreover, The Times wrongly assumed we declined to ``consistently'' answer what it calls one ``key question'' regarding the ``logic and human dignity in routine discarding of embryos created in fertility clinics.'' This question was addressed in a conversation I had with The Times' reporter after the panel discussion. Apparently, either she or the editors of The Times, decided not to print my response. One proposed solution to this dilemma is to enact regulations that would restrict the number of fertilized eggs manufactured in fertility clinics. A life-affirming alternative to the discarding of leftover embryos is already being employed by an entity known as Snowflake Adoption, which allows couples to adopt frozen embryos from fertility clinics and have them implanted and grown to term. Surely, this is an ethical alternative to Wise Young's ``trash it or use it'' philosophy.

The Times states that human embryos are not the equivalent of ``real, here- and-now human beings,'' but ``microscopic clusters of insenate cells.'' The truth of the matter is that we are all made up of microscopic clusters of cells. We were all once embryos at one stage in our lives, just as we once were or will become infants, toddlers, adolescents, adults and senior citizens. Nevertheless, we are all members of the human family. It is an undisputed fact that stem-cell research performed on human embryos results in the death of the human embryo. That a human embryo is a human being can be found in any standard textbook on embryology or standard medical dictionary. The crux of the issue is whether a human embryo, who by virtue of his/her humanity, has the right not to be killed or harmed in any way.

If the N.J. bill moves forward, it will set New Jersey on an irresponsible, unprecedented and morally disastrous course fraught with devastating consequences for humanity. Adult stem cells that are already curing people and do not have any of the ethical or practical problems associated with their use are the future of life science and humanity's hope for the future. That is where we should place our collective focus and resources.

NOTE: Marie Tasy is public and legislative affairs director, New Jersey Right to Life.

The Times of Trenton

Time to pass the stem-cell bill

By EDITORIAL

For seven months, a bill that would authorize and facilitate embryonic stem- cell research in New Jersey has awaited action in the state Assembly, blocked by a campaign of disinformation waged by the extreme pro-life lobby. Now, Assembly Democratic leaders say they plan to call the bill for a vote after the Nov. 4 election. To say it's about time would be an understatement.

Cellular biologists believe that stem cells, which can turn into various body tissues, could be the key to treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and diabetes, as well as neurological injuries. The stem cells would come from embryos slated to be discarded by fertility clinics, or could be developed from the patient's own tissue to ensure compatibility. Because New Jersey is home to a large and effective medical research establishment, enactment of the measure in this state would be particularly helpful.

But pro-lifers oppose such research, out of the belief that the microscopic clusters of insenate cells used in the research are the moral equal of real, here-and-now human beings and should not be used to alleviate those individuals' suffering. The opponents saw their opening last March when The Washington Post's arch-conservative commentator, Robert Novak, wrote a column asserting that New Jersey was ``moving at breakneck speed'' toward the legalization of human cloning via the stem-cell bill, which the Senate previously had passed, and singling out for special scorn the Republicans who supported it. The claim was entirely false, in that the measure specifically and for the first time would make cloning ``a crime of the first degree.'' Nevertheless, the column led to what The Star-Ledger called ``a blizzard of e- mail messages'' to the Legislature, many of them from people and groups that opposed the research in the first place. Many members of the Assembly suffered an attack of cold feet, and suddenly the bill was nine votes short of a majority. Its sponsor, Assemblyman Neil Cohen, D-New Roselle, withdrew it to conduct what he called an ``educational campaign'' among his colleagues to try to undo some of the damage wrought by Mr. Novak's column and those who exploited it.

Assemblyman Cohen's bill and its Senate counterpart, sponsored by Senate co- president, Richard J. Codey, D-West Orange, would allow researchers to work with newly cultivated stem-cell lines taken from unused embryos at New Jersey fertility clinics. Like a California law on which it is modeled, it would require the owners of the cells to give their written permission, and would allow no monetary compensation.

In a panel discussion on stem-cell research co-sponsored by The Times and held at Mercer County Community College last week, Dr. Wise Young of Rutgers, an expert on the subject, asserted that stem-cell biology is ``the future of life sciences'' and that preventing research ``has held back science.'' He posed a key question, one that the opponents of the pending legislation have consistently declined to address: Where is the logic and the human dignity in the routine discarding of embryos that are created for in vitro fertilization but not needed? ``I think it is more dignified to use them to save lives,'' Dr. Young said.

The Cohen-Codey bill would allow and encourage that outcome. The Assembly should approve it and send it to Gov. James E. McGreevey for his promised signature.

NJ recently had an election and the Dims took over the Senate and Assembly, these type of bills will be coming up frequently. The Gov. is trying to boost the pharmaceutical industry and NJ economy by Cloning and Killing humans in the name of research. If it passes in NJ, other states are sure to follow, don't let NJ be the vanguard of Cloning/Killing in America.

Dear Pro-Life Friends:

There is a good possibility, the Clone and Kill Bill could be scheduled for a vote in the Assembly as early as Monday, December 15, 2003. Please barrage the offices of your two Assembly members with phone calls, faxes and emails. The sponsors are trying to claim that this bill has the support of the public majority. Let's prove them wrong! Please act immediately! Please distribute this message to your email, phone and fax networks.

Thank you,

Marie Tasy
Legislative Director, NJRTL

State Bill - Renewed Push for A2840/S1909 NJ Clone Kill Bill

Take Action!

Immediate Action Needed!!

Assembly sponsorNeil M. Cohen is trying to get S1909/A2840 through the Assembly in lame duck session. The vote on this bill can be scheduled anytime in the Assembly between the period December 15, 2003 and January 13, 2004. Please take immediate action after reading the items below.

PLEASE NOTE: THE FEDERAL BILL SUPPORTED BY SENATOR ORRIN HATCH AND FORMER FIRST LADY NANCY REAGAN IS NOT IDENTICAL TO THE NJ BILL! IN FACT, THE NJ BILL GOES WAY BEYOND THE MEASURE SUPPORTED BY SENATOR ORRIN HATCH.

10/24/03 NJRTL Op-ed rebuttal and 10/14/03 Trenton Times editorial advocating passage of S1909/A2840

10/11/03 Trenton Times article

Take Immediate Action

Please continue to call and write your 2 Assembly members at their local district offices immediately. Ask for a written response. Urge both your Assembly members to vote No on this legislation and "No" on any amendments.

If you do not know the names and phone numbers of your legislators, you can call the Office of Legislative Services at 1-800-792-8630 or you can go the top of this page and click on "Take Action!" then "home" then "NJ Legislature", enter your zip code in the specified location to obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of your state legislators. You can email your legislators directly from this page by going to the box that says "Take Action Now" and then fill in your required zip code.

For your friends without Computers they can thistoll-free number: 800-792-8630 to get their legislator information if they don't know it.

Background

On February 10, 2003, A2840/S1909 was pulled from the Assembly Voting Board List due to lack of support for the bill. The bill previously passed the State Senate and was released out of the Assembly Health Committee last February. As stated in the above article, the sponsor and the biotech industry are pressuring assembly members to support the bill and will try to bring it up again in the 03 lame duck session. Please read the following articles for further background on the legislation.

Life Can Win

Grass Roots Campaign Sinks NJ Cloning Bill

Christopher Reeve Republicans

Here Come the Jersey Clones

On February 3, 2003, the Assembly Health Committee released A2840/S1909 out of committee on a party line vote with six Democrats voting for the bill and two Republicans abstaining. The Committee heard 4 hours of testimony from witnesses, an overwhelming majority of whom were opposed to the legislation. Please read the statement of the Minority Members of the Assembly Health Committee below. Continue to contact your two Assembly members and urge them to vote "No" on A2840/S1909.

NJRTL provided copies of a legal opinion addressed to NJRTL from Professor Gerard Bradley, et al. to Committee members as well as a letter written to Governor Jim McGreevey from four members of the President’s Council on Bioethics outlining some grave problems with the legislation. After the committee was made aware that the bill would allow therapeutic cloning, forced abortions, reproductive cloning, and the commercial trafficking in baby body parts, the committee released the bill over the objections of NJRTL who asked that the bill not be released from committee, but rather held for further discussion. Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg, the Chair of the Committee indicated that the sponsor would review the bill, and, possibly add amendments on the floor when the bill comes up for a vote before the full Assembly. The Senate bill was merged with the Assembly bill, which means they are now identical.

Click here to read this correspondence.

Letter to Governor McGreeevey from Members of the President's Council on Bioethics on A2840/S1909

Legal analysis by Professor Gerard Bradley, et al. on S1909/A2840

The State Senate had previously passed S1909 on December 16, 2002. At a January 12, 2003 press conference and during the January 14, 2003 State of the State Address, Governor McGreevey demanded that the Assembly pass the measure and vowed to sign it. Click here to see how your NJ Senators voted.

12/16/02 NJ Senate Vote on S1909/A2840

Action needed:

Continue to contact your two Assembly members and urge them to vote “NO” on A2840/S1909 and “NO” on any amendments that may be offered.

Click here to read the bill. Bill A2840

Below is the 2/03/03 statement from the Republican Members of the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee on S1909/A2840.

ASSEMBLY HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES STATEMENT TO A2840

MINORITY STATEMENT

Submitted by : Assemblyman Samuel D. Thompson, Ph.D.
and Assemblywoman Charlotte Vandervalk

Due to both the volume and content of the extensive testimony heard by the committee today, we cannot support the release of this bill at this time. Further, we believe the majority acted with undue haste in releasing the bill without taking time to give full consideration to the practical and ethical questions raised in the testimony.

The committee received testimony from doctors who specialize in medical research, and all concurred that evidence of the therapeutic benefits of embryonic stem cells is inconclusive. There is no scientific proof that use of these cells will produce the cures and remedies that so many advocates of this bill are promising.

Further, there was unanimous agreement among scientists presenting testimony that the current use of adult stem cells has produced widespread therapeutic results for patients suffering from various debilitating ailments. Therefore, it would be prudent to further enhance and improve the research and study of the medical use of adult stem cells(which produce proven therapeutic benefits) rather than embryonic stem cells which have yet to provide any therapeutic value - yet introduce staggering moral and ethical ramifications.

Testimony presented to the committee raises numerous questions regarding:

the definition of "newborn stages," and the potential this bill creates for the forced abortion of cloned embryos; the definition of "valuable consideration" which permits payment for implantation of cloned embryonic cells; the creation of a climate which replaces the current medical demand for aborted baby parts with cloned baby parts; the potential for medical abuses and exploitation of women and children; and the creation of a new class of human - one designated for the purpose of experimentation.

The committee was asked repeatedly to hold the bill for proper consideration of potentially grave consequences, yet the bill was released from committee with the majority's full endorsement and the promise that the sponsor would address the aforementioned concerns before the bill reaches the Assembly floor. We believe the better course would have been for the committee to heed the calls for more careful consideration of the testimony and the issues raised, and to properly address them forthrightly at the committee level rather than hastily report the bill now with vague promises of future actions.

Sponsors of the bill and Assembly Leadership:

Assemblyman Neil M. Cohen, Democrat
District Office: 985 Stuyvesant Ave., Union,
NJ 07083  (908)-624-0880

Speaker of the NJ Assembly,
Assemblyman Albio  Sires, Democrat
District Office:  303 58th Street, West New York, NJ 07093  201-854-0900
asmcohen@njleg.org; asmsires@njleg.org;

AsmCohen@njleg.org; AsmHackett@njleg.org; AsmMcKeon@njleg.org; AswQuigley@njleg.org;
AswWeinberg@njleg.org ; AsmGuear@njleg.org ; asmsires@njleg.org;

Thanks for the ping!

The Assembly has scheduled a vote on the NJ Clone and Kill Bill for Monday, December 15, 2003 at 1 p.m. In addition to contacting your Assembly members, please try to come down to the Statehouse on Monday, Dec 15 so we can have a presence. Please carpool and spread the word through your networks.

A suggested time of arrival at the Statehouse would be 11:00 a.m.or earlier. Please do not assume that your Assembly members are opposed because of their past opposition to this bill. Special emphasis should be placed on Assembly members who will not be returning to the Legislature in January. Below is a link to directions to the Statehouse as well as my most recent alert.

http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislativepub/directions.asp

Bump for action

NJ Assembly RollCall Stem Cells, 1st Ld-Writethru

12/15/2003, 8:50 p.m. ET (AP) — The Assembly voted 41-31 with seven abstentions Monday to approve a bill that supports stem cell research. "Y" is yes, "N" is no, "X" is no vote.

Ahearn, Matt, I-Bergen Y
Altamuro, Stephen, R-Gloucester N
Arnone, Michael J., R-Monmouth N
Asselta, Nicholas, R-Cumberland N
Azzolina, Joseph, R-Monmouth X
Barnes, Peter J., D-Middlesex Y
Bateman, Christopher, R-Somerset X
Biondi, Peter, R-Somerset N
Blee, Frank, R-Atlantic N
Bodine, Francis L., R-Burlington N
Bramnick, Jon, R-Union, N
Burzichelli, John J., D-Gloucester Y
Caraballo, Wilfredo, D-Essex Y
Carroll, Michael P., R-Morris N
Chatzidakis, Larry, R-Burlington N
Chivukula, Upendra J., D-Somerset Y
Cohen, Neil M., D-Union Y
Conaway, Herbert, D-Burlington Y
Conners, Jack, D-Camden Y
Connors, Christopher J., R-Ocean N
Conover, Kirk, R-Atlantic N
Corodemus, Steve, R-Monmouth N
Cruz-Perez, Nilsa, D-Camden Y
Cryan, Joseph, D-Union Y
Dancer, Ronald, R-Ocean N
DeCroce, Alex, R-Morris N
Diegnan, Patrick J., D-Middlesex N
DiGaetano, Paul, R-Passaic N
Doherty, Michael J., R-Warren N
Doria, Joseph V., D-Hudson Y
Eagler, Peter C., D-Passaic Y
Edwards, Willis, D-Essex Y
Egan, Joseph V., D-Middlesex Y
Farragher, Clare M., R-Monmouth N
Fisher, Douglas H., D-Cumberland Y
Fraguela, Rafael J., R-Hudson Y
Friscia, Arline M., R-Middlesex X
Green, Jerry, D-Union Y
Greenstein, Linda, D-Middlesex Y
Greenwald, Louis D., D-Camden Y
Gregg, Guy, R-Morris N
Guear, Gary L., D-Mercer Y
Gusciora, W. Reed, D-Mercer Y
Hackett, Mims, D-Essex Y
Heck, Rose M., R-Bergen N
Holzapfel, James W., R-Ocean X
Impreveduto, Anthony, D-Hudson Y
Johnson, Gordon M., D-Bergen Y
Kean, Sean, R-Monmouth N
Malone, Joseph, R-Burlington X
McKeon, John F., D-Essex Y
McHose, Alison, R-Sussex N
Merkt, Richard, R-Morris N
Munoz, Eric, R-Union N
Myers, Connie, R-Hunterdon N
O'Toole, Kevin, R-Essex N
Payne, William, D-Essex Y
Pennacchio, Joseph, R-Morris N
Perez-Cinciarelli, Elba, D-Hudson Y
Pou, Nellie, D-Passaic Y
Previte, Mary, D-Camden X
Quigley, Joan, D-Hudson Y
Roberts, Joseph J., D-Camden Y
Rooney, John E., R-Bergen N
Rumpf, Brian, R-Ocean N
Russo, David C., R-Bergen N
Scalera, Frederick, D-Bergen Y
Sires, Albio, D-Hudson Y
Smith, Robert J., D-Gloucester Y
Stanley, Craig, D-Essex Y
Steele, Rev. Alfred, D-Passaic N
Stender, Linda, D-Union Y
Thompson, Sam, R-Monmouth X
Tucker, Donald, D-Essex Y
Van Drew, Jeff, D-Cape May Y
Vandervalk, Charlotte, R-Bergen X
Watson-Coleman, Bonnie, D-Mercer Y
Weinberg, Loretta, D-Bergen Y
Wisniewski, John S., D-Middlesex Y
Wolfe, David W., R-Ocean N
Note: Assembly 44D, 36R
Overrides: two-thirds or 54 votes.
Amendments: three-fifths or 48 votes.

Late this afternoon, the NJ Assembly passed the NJ Cloning Bill. The bill narrowly passed after much arm twisting with 40 Democrats and one Green Party member voting for the bill. Only Democratic Assemblyman Alfred Steele voted against the bill and one Democratic Assemblywoman Mary Previte abstained.

Below is the roll call vote. All Republicans took a party position, either voting no or abstained. Many Catholic Democrats voted for the bill. They include, but are not limited to Peter Barnes, Joseph Egan, Nilsa Cruz-Perez, Jack Conners, Peter Eagler, Joseph Roberts, Joseph Cryan, Rafael J. Fraguela , Frederick Scalera, Joseph Doria, Joan Quigley, Albio Sires, Nellie Pou, Anthony Impreveduto, John Wisniewski.

Many thanks go out to the following Republican Assembly members who spoke out very eloquently against the bill. Assemblywoman Alison McHose, Michael Doherty, Mike Carroll, Joe Pennachio, Clare Farragher, Joe Malone, Eric Munoz.

Also, please consider sending a thank you to Assemblyman Alfred Steele and Assemblywoman Mary Previte for holding firm to their convictions.

The bill now goes to McGreevey who said he will sign the bill. Call Governor McGreevey at 609 292-6000, Fax at 609 292-3454. Urge him to veto the bill.

Thanks for the information!

Senate (S1909) Version Vote Tally

Stem-cell research bill squeaks through Assembly
McGreevey says he'll sign it, putting Jersey at odds with Bush policy

Tuesday, December 16, 2003

BY ROBERT SCHWANEBERG
Star-Ledger Staff

Supporters said it could lead to a cure for diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's and other diseases. Opponents warned it would permit "ghoulish" fetus farms in which genetically designed humans were bred solely to be slaughtered for their organs.

In the end, a bill making New Jersey the second state to officially encourage medical research using embryonic stem cells passed the Assembly yesterday by a single vote. Passage came despite opposition by the state's Catholic bishops and anti-abortion activists. It also flew in the face of President Bush's sharp restriction of embryonic stem cell research.

The bill now goes to Gov. James E. McGreevey, who said last night, "I look forward to signing it into law."

Thirty-nine Democrats were joined by Assemblymen Rafael Fraguela (R-Hudson) and Matt Ahearn (Green Party-Bergen) in mustering the 41 votes needed to pass the bill in the 80-member Assembly. The vote followed an emotional 45-minute debate.

Assemblyman Neil Cohen (D-Union), a sponsor who went desk to desk, cajoling wavering colleagues during the 10 minutes the voting board was kept open, said securing the bill's passage "will be the most significant thing I do in my life."

In an impassioned speech, Cohen said embryonic stem cell research holds the promise of eventual cures for the millions of Americans afflicted by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, multiple sclerosis, cancer, diabetes, paralysis and other ailments. He told his fellow lawmakers the proposal was "the most significant law we'll pass this century."

The bill's main sponsor, Senate Co-President Richard Codey (D-Essex), called its passage "a fantastic opportunity for New Jersey to show the rest of the world we intend to promote medical progress rather than stifle it."

The passage came 12 months after the Senate approved the bill. Following yesterday's vote, Assembly Republican leader Alex DeCroce (R-Morris) booted Fraguela out of the GOP caucus for breaking ranks with the party.

Marie Tasy, director of public and legislative affairs for New Jersey Right to Life, said that if McGreevey signs the bill, "we'll have the shameful distinction of being the cloning capital of the world."

The bill makes it a crime punishable by 20 years in prison to clone a human being, but opponents said that provision bans only the actual birth of a living human clone.

Assemblyman Michael Doherty (R-Warren) said a cloned embryo could be carried in a womb "almost completely to birth" and killed "to take its body parts" without violating the bill. Right to Life ran radio advertisements yesterday warning of "ghoulish" fetal farms.

Addressing that charge, Cohen told fellow lawmakers it was "an absurdity" to think either he or the bill would allow "fetal farming," adding that anyone who implanted a cloned embryo into a womb would face criminal prosecution for attempted cloning. He said any embryo used in stem cell research would "stay in the petri dish."

New Jersey's Catholic bishops opposed the bill because the only way to obtain embryonic stem cells, they said, "is to kill the living human embryo."

"We believe it is more important than ever to stand for the principle that government must not treat any living human being as research material, as a mere means for benefit to others," the bishops wrote.

The Catholic Conference added that research using adult stem cells does not raise such ethical objections and holds great promise, while the prospect of embryonic stem cell research leading to cures remains "pure conjecture."

But J. Richard Goldstein, president of the New Jersey Council of Teaching Hospitals, said yesterday that embryonic stem cells are more adaptable and "seem to be better suited for the research."

Although the bill provides no funding, Goldstein said officially encouraging stem cell research -- as California has done -- could draw scientists to New Jersey.

"Right now some of our best scientists are studying in Europe rather than America," Goldstein said. "This puts us back into the game to be No. 1 in research."

In 2001, in an effort to prevent the destruction of any more embryos, Bush limited federal funding to existing lines of embryonic stem cells. At the time, they were believed to number about 60, but last May the director of the National Institutes of Health said only 11 were available for research.

Codey's bill aims to expand the number of embryonic stem cell lines by informing couples undergoing in vitro fertilization that they have the option of donating any unused embryos for medical research.

"You have thousands of eggs from in vitro fertilization that are going to be flushed down the sewer," Cohen said. He urged his colleagues to instead allow them to be used to find a cure for disease.

Robert Schwaneberg covers legal issues. He can be reached at rschwaneberg@starledger.com or (609) 989-0324.

Newark Star Ledger Article

CELLING LIES (Stem Cell Myths exposed by Michael Fumento)

Lies About Fetal Stem Cell Research

Adult Cells Do It Better

Good Evening All-

My family has had experience with some pretty dreadful diseases that could benefit from advancements in stem cell research. I'm hardcore conservative, except for this chapter of my life's book.

~ Blue Jays ~

December 16, 2003, 9:36 a.m.
Trenton Plays God
A whole new world.

In New Jersey this morning, human cloning is one signature away from a statewide legal green light.

Democratic assemblyman Neil Cohen told his colleagues that Assembly Bill 2840 "is not the most significant law we'll write this session — but this century." He's right.

On Monday, during a lame-duck session, the New Jersey state assembly passed an unprecedented bill authorizing human cloning in the Garden State. Veiled as an innocuous "stem-cell" bill in most of the media and by its sponsors and supporters, not one state senator opposed it when it was first up for a vote a year ago this month.

When the assembly voted on Monday, all but one Republican (Rafael Fraguela) either voted "no" or abstained. Only Democratic Assemblyman (Alfred Steele) voted against the bill, and one Democratic assemblywoman (Mary Previte) abstained. That the vote was as close as it was is a credit to the work of the New Jersey Right to Life Committee, fighting against a muddle of disinformation fed by the biotech industry in and out of state. The roll call, too, suggests there is a learning curve on even the most heated issues involving human life: Republicans, for the most part, managed to reach a consensus to reject the bill, despite emotional ad campaigns — and the endorsement of Christopher Reeve.

As Wesley Smith, author of The Culture of Death, pointed out last week, the bill's "terms would make it legal in New Jersey to create a human cloned embryo, implant it in a willing woman's womb, gestate it through the ninth month, and only require that the cloned fetus be killed before it becomes a 'new human individual,' e.g., at the very point of birth. This means that [the] law would expressly permit implantation and gestation for any amount of time before the cloned fetus becomes a 'new human individual'!"

That's why the opponents of the bill, now passed by both houses of the New Jersey legislature, have accurately dubbed it a "clone-and-kill" bill.

Three members of the President's Council on Bioethics wrote to Democratic Governor James McGreevey last January imploring him not to sign the cloning bill into law. They warned that it "threatens to make New Jersey a haven for unethical medical practices, including the macabre practice of human fetal farming."

They wrote:

[The] legislation expressly authorizes the creation of new human beings by cloning and, perhaps unintentionally, their cultivation from the zygote stage through the newborn stage for the purpose of harvesting what the bills themselves refer to as "cadaveric" fetal tissue. Please pause to consider whose cadaver the tissue is to be derived from. It is the cadaver of a distinct member of the species homo sapiens — a human being — who would be brought into being by cloning and, presumably, implanted and permitted to develop to the desired stage of physical maturation for the purpose of being killed for the harvesting of his or her tissues.
Although the legislation purports to ban trafficking in fetal body parts for "valuable consideration," it expressly permits "reasonable payment" for "removal, processing, disposal, preservation, quality control, storage, transplantation, or implantation of embryonic or cadaveric fetal tissue." This is a virtual invitation to cloning entrepreneurs to conduct in the State of New Jersey what would amount to fetal farming for research, presumably including experimental treatments. There seems to be nothing in the legislation to prevent cloning entrepreneurs from paying women a "reasonable" fee to gestate embryos and submit to abortions for the production of human bodily tissues and organs. The entrepreneurs could then charge a "reasonable" fee to their customers for "processing," "preserving," "storing," "transplanting," or "implanting" fetal cadavers and tissues.
And what if a gestating woman has second thoughts and decides not to abort the developing fetus? Would a court be asked to enforce a contract for abortion? We hope and trust that no court would do that. But then we would have what the sponsors of the legislation say they oppose: the birth of human clones.

The governor of New Jersey is about to take a giant leap into the brave new world. He and his staff would be wise to read the bill that has just been passed, read the bioethics council members' letter, and reconsider.

And another legislature, the U.S. Congress, should study this bill carefully and realize what's happening while they fiddle.
Kathryn Jean Lopez
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New Jersey's brave new world

December 15, 2003

BY ROBERT NOVAK SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

The lame-duck New Jersey State Assembly is poised today to pass a bill members of President Bush's Council on Bioethics contend will permit human cloning. This manipulation plows new ground in the struggle over whether there should be moral limits on science's relentless thrust. With federal anti-cloning legislation stalled in the U.S. Senate, the Garden State takes the first step toward a brave new world.

This bill, passed a year ago by the state Senate, was set to roar through the Assembly in February. It was abruptly pulled from the floor after my column of Feb. 5 pointed out a national precedent would be established in Trenton. Legislative leaders determined to lie low until after the 2003 state elections, then bring back the bill before newly elected legislators are sworn in Jan. 8.

In pressing for this week's vote, the bill's sponsors misrepresent prominent Republicans as supporters. Mostly, they operate by stealth. The action is to be taken by a legislative body where 11 of 80 members are lame ducks who will not sit in the next session.

Just what they are voting on is garbled. The bill asserts that cloning a human being is a ''first degree'' crime, a prohibition harped on by its proponents. In fact, this only prohibits making a baby through nine months of gestation followed by childbirth.

Actually, the legislation permits ''somatic cell nuclear transfer,'' which the President's Council unanimously calls an authorization for ''creation of new human beings by cloning.'' The council's official report asserts ''the initial product'' of somatic cell nuclear transfer is ''a living (one-celled) cloned human embryo.'' The process intends ''to produce such an entity: one that is alive (rather than non-living), one that is human (rather than non-human or animal).'' In short, New Jersey is about to legalize human cloning technique that effectively is exempted from its disingenuous criminal prohibition.

Democratic Assemblyman Neil M. Cohen, deputy majority leader and principal sponsor, last week sent a ''Dear Colleague'' letter asking support for ''stem cell research legislation'' to fight any number of diseases. Cohen claimed backing from ''a wide variety of notables, including those with a conservative philosophy.'' He cited Nancy Reagan, Republican Senators Orrin Hatch and John McCain and Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson. The implication that any of them endorses Cohen's bill is a canard.

Cohen has distributed a letter written by Mrs. Reagan to Hatch, in which she favors ''new legislation to allow the ethical use of therapeutic cloning'' which might protect families from sharing pain inflicted on her because of Alzheimer's disease. She does not address the New Jersey bill and obviously is unfamiliar with it.

Hatch is more responsible than any other single senator for blocking Sen. Sam Brownback's federal anti-cloning legislation, but he cannot properly be called a backer of Cohen's bill. His aides told this column that Hatch would not support any bill permitting implantation of a cloned embryo or development of a clone for more than 14 days, both of which are permitted by the New Jersey bill. As for McCain, his staff told us: ''We have not endorsed any cloning bill in New Jersey.''

It is even more absurd to place Thompson in Jersey's brave new world. Asserting the president desires anti-cloning legislation, the secretary added that ''the administration could not support any measure purporting to ban 'reproductive' cloning while authorizing 'research' cloning.''

As the bill's contents and supporters are obscured, advocates have not encouraged full debate. When the Newark Star-Ledger blamed me for helping ''stir up enough criticism to keep the bill from passing,'' New Jersey Right to Life asked the paper to print a letter to Gov. James McGreevey from four members of the President's Council asserting that the bill ''threatens to make New Jersey a haven for human fetal farming.'' The editors said they would ''pass.'' The issue has not been fully explored as the lame-duck Assembly takes a fateful step.

Novak in Suntimes
Novak in Townhall

Assemblyman Alex DeCroce/973-984-0922

Assembly Republican Office/609-292-5339

December 15, 2003

DeCROCE DENOUNCES FRAGUELA VOTE

ON STEM-CELL RESEARCH

FRAGUELA REMOVED FROM THE ASSEMBLY REPUBLICAN CAUCUS

As a result of self-interested actions of Assemblyman Rafael Fraguela, Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce today removed him as member of the Assembly Republican caucus.

"In light of Assemblyman Fraguela's disturbing vote supporting the harvesting of human embryonic cells for profit, I cannot in good conscience recognize him as a member of the Assembly Republican caucus," stated DeCroce, R-Morris, Passaic. "This decision is Assemblyman Fraguela's own doing. On such an important issue as this, he had an obligation to his constituents and his fellow members to participate in the debate that occurred during caucus."
The bill, S-1909, permits human cloning in order to harvest fetal tissue for stem-cell research. The bill also allows for payment for removal, processing, disposal, storage, preservation, transplantation and implantation of embryonic or fetal tissue. Enacting this bill into law will allow women to participate in this type of activity for profit.

"This bill is a matter of conscience and deserved thoughtful consideration," continued DeCroce. "Assemblyman Fraguela did not give the consideration that such a sensitive issue as stem-cell research deserves. He failed to attend caucus and discuss his views with his colleagues. If he intended to vote in favor of this bill, he bore the responsibility to share that with the other members."

"Assemblyman Fraguela showed a complete lack of competence with regards to this situation," DeCroce stated. "The discussion in our caucus was comprehensive and resulted in a decision to have a united front against this bill. Assemblyman Fraguela turned his back on his constituents and colleagues."

"For the duration of this legislative session he can go his own way," said DeCroce.

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Coleus, for any reader wanting to better understand just what cloning and ESCR really are (the basics in biology and the biomed applications intended), I've just finished a short book that I will e-mail to anyone requesting it via freepmail. The book is intended for the layperson and is not a technical treatise. When the reader finishes, the issues will be much clearer regarding this cannibalism.

I failed to mention ... it's free.

ping, if you're interested

* hope I'm not violating any rulse with this