Massachusetts Stem Cell Research Act (H 391)

This law was last updated on Apr 18, 2019

State

Massachusetts

Number

H 391

Status

Proposed

Jan 22, 2019

Topics

Fetal Tissue, Human Embryo and Fetal Research

Full Bill Text

malegislature.gov

H 391 would make changes to existing laws regarding reprogrammed human skin cells for embryonic stem cell research. The changes are designed to no longer permit the use of embryonic stem cells.

Changes to section 3 of chapter 111L of the 2016 General Laws

The bill would replace the term “embryonic stem” with the term “skin.” This would effectively no longer permit embryonic stem cell research.

Changes to section 8 of chapter 111L of the 2016 General Laws

The bill would “prohibit the creation of a pre-implantation embryo by somatic cell nuclear transfer, parthenogenesis or other asexual means for research purposes.”

The bill would no longer allow people to donate their gametes to another person or for research.

Changes to section 10 of chapter 111L of the 2016 General Laws

The bill would no longer permit institutions to register for a certificate authorizing them to engage in embryonic stem cell research.

Changes to section 12J of chapter 112 of the 2016 General Laws

The bill would remove a paragraph stating that the term “fetus” includes the term “embryo” but excludes a pre-implantation embryo.

Changes to section 12 K of chapter 112 of the 2016 General Laws

The bill would change the definition of “Unborn child” from “the individual human life in existence and developing from implantation of the embryo in the uterus until birth,” to “the individual human life in existence and developing from fertilization.”

Related Legislation

Nearly identical to H 1209, which failed to pass during the 2017-2018 legislative session.

Similar to H 2037 (2015), which failed to pass.

Latest Action

1/22/19 – Introduced; referred to Joint Judiciary Committee.