HOUSE MEMORIAL 113

48th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2007

INTRODUCED BY

Thomas E. Swisstack

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT A STUDY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE LEGISLATURE ON CURRENT RESEARCH AND FUTURE TRENDS IN STEM CELL HARVESTING AND USE.

     WHEREAS, a great deal of debate regarding stem cell research is taking place in congress and in legislative bodies throughout the United States; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is also involved in discussions and debate about the appropriate direction to take regarding stem cell research; and

     WHEREAS, there is great interest among legislators in understanding the developing field of stem cell research and its clinical applications; and

     WHEREAS, legislators are being asked to understand the moral, ethical and scientific principles underlying the use of stem cells, from various sources, in research and for clinical applications and to determine how to appropriately guide New Mexico's future participation in the area of stem cell use; and

     WHEREAS, it is necessary that legislators be more fully informed on the procedures, use and potential benefits or detriments of stem cell use before making a decision that will determine the sources of stem cells and the manner in which stem cells may be used in clinical and research applications in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, it is necessary for legislators to be aware of the current status of stem cell use and research, the trends in research, the probable outcomes from stem cell research and the clinical trials and uses of stem cells that are currently in process or being planned;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of health be requested to study the laws currently in place regarding stem cell harvesting and use and to review further stem cell research, including the empirical scientific research that has produced conclusive results in animal trials and the research conducted on various sources of stem cells, such as stem cells from adults, amniotic fluid, umbilical cords or other sources, as well as from embryonic sources; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of health report to the interim legislative health and human services committee no later than October 2008 on the findings of the study so that the information available to legislators regarding stem cell research and clinical trials prior to the first session of the forty-ninth legislature is the most up-to-date information available and provides insight into trends and developments in stem cell research and clinical applications; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the department of health and the director of the university of New Mexico health sciences center.

- 3 -