NJ Assembly approves bill to authorize stem cell research

[NewJerseyDem]

Democrat turned republican Rafael Fraguela cast the deciding vote to pass the bill and was therefore kicked out of the republican caucus for the remainder of the year. He wasn't reelected in November and his term will end in January.

http://www.nj.com/newsflash/jersey/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1071532150152662.xml

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — The Assembly approved a bill Monday that would permit stem cell research despite opposition from conservatives that it could promote human cloning.

While there was debate over the scope of the legislation, the measure passed by 41-31 with seven members abstaining. The legislation will now go to the desk of Gov. James E. McGreevey, who has indicated he would sign a stem cell research bill.

Organizations that sponsor research for terminal illnesses praised the bill as a major step forward for finding cures and lessening painful symptoms of deadly diseases. If the bill becomes law, New Jersey will become the second state in the nation to permit stem cell research.

"Now, we have the momentum going to help people with their quality of life," said Carol J. Walton, executive director of The Parkinson Alliance in Princeton.

EDIT:
Robert Novak's column on the bill

http://www.suntimes.com/output/novak/cst-edt-novak15.html

[Jerseycoa]

1. Yowza, great day for NJ

:wow:

[blondeatlast]

2. I'm on the stem-cell trial waiting list (insulin-dependent since age 7)

Good on ya, NJ!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Oh God, how I thank you!