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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

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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

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transmitted to the department of health and the director of

the university of New Mexico health sciences center.