Increases criminal penalties for selling fetal tissue and requires documentation of costs associated with processing, transportation, and storage.
Impact
The bill is designed to tighten existing regulations surrounding the donation and sale of fetal tissue. Under current law, selling donated tissue is prohibited, but this bill enhances the legal ramifications for violations, which can serve as a deterrent against trafficking in fetal tissue. The requirement for detailed documentation adds a layer of accountability that could help ensure proper practices are followed. Additionally, the bill aims to uphold ethical standards in research involving human embryonic cells by emphasizing the importance of informed consent for individuals regarding the disposition of embryos.
Summary
Assembly Bill A307 proposes to increase penalties for the illegal sale of cadaveric fetal tissue, raising the crime from third degree to second degree. This legislative change seeks to impose stricter punishments, including up to ten years of imprisonment and fines as high as $300,000 for violations related to the sale of such tissue. The bill also mandates comprehensive tracking and documentation procedures for costs associated with the processing, transport, and storage of fetal tissue, ensuring that these procedures adhere to health and safety regulations.
Contention
While proponents of A307 argue that the bill protects both ethical standards in research and the rights of individuals, critics may see it as an overreach that could complicate legitimate biomedical research. There are concerns that the increased penalties may inadvertently hinder valuable research in medical advancements and stem cell therapies, as they could deter researchers from utilizing available fetal tissue for scientific purposes. The balance between protecting human dignity and promoting scientific research remains a contentious debate surrounding this legislation.
Prohibits using cadaveric fetal tissue obtained from elective abortion procedure for research purposes and using any cadaveric fetal tissue to research cosmetic treatments.
Dignity for Aborted Children ActThis bill establishes requirements for abortion providers with respect to the disposal of human fetal tissue from an abortion.Specifically, it requires abortion providers to obtain a patient's informed consent for one of two specified methods of disposition and to retain the corresponding documentation in the patient's file.First, patients may choose to retain possession of the tissue. A patient may choose to transfer the tissue to an entity that provides interment or cremation services.Second, patients may choose to release the tissue to the provider. Providers must ensure any tissue released to them is interred or cremated within seven days of the procedure in a manner consistent with state law regarding the disposal of human remains.Abortion providers must submit reports annually to the Department of Health and Human Services about these requirements and other specified information.The bill establishes civil penalties for violations of the requirement to retain documentation of informed consent, and it establishes criminal penalties for violations of the requirement regarding the disposal of human fetal tissue.
Provides that salary and other costs associated with Commissioner of Education's appointment of State monitor and other staff under "School District Fiscal Accountability Act" will be paid by State.