California Gov. Schwarzenegger Signs Bill To Restrict Payments To Egg Donors, Counter Exploitation Of Poor, Minority Women

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) on Tuesday signed into law a bill that extends to privately funded laboratories a provision under Proposition 71 that says scientists receiving state embryonic stem cell research funds can reimburse egg donors only for their expenses and cannot pay them, the Los Angeles Times reports (Los Angeles Times, 9/27). State voters in November 2004 approved Proposition 71 to provide $295 million annually for 10 years for human embryonic stem cell research. The bill -- sponsored by state Sens. Deborah Ortiz (D) and George Runner (R) -- broadens informed consent requirements for those who donate their eggs for embryonic stem cell research and pertains only to research laboratories and not to fertility clinics (Kaiser Daily Women's Health Policy Report, 9/13). Schwarzenegger on Tuesday also signed into law several other reproductive health measures, including:

SB 1245, which requires health plans to cover the human papillomavirus test upon referral by a health care provider;
SB 1555, which expands prenatal screening to include all tests that meet or exceed the current standard of care acknowledged by medical or genetic organizations;
AB 2583, which requires the state pharmacy board to post a sign in a visible place informing patients of their right to timely access to a prescribed medication or device that a pharmacist has refused to provide based on ethical, moral or religious grounds; and
AB 2251, which aims to protect the personal safety of reproductive health care providers, patients, volunteers and employees by barring the posting of personal information on the Internet under specified circumstances.

"By signing this legislation, I am proud to continue California's leadership role in promoting women's health," Schwarzenegger said, adding, "From helping women as they transition to motherhood to ensuring women have the information and services they need to treat and prevent disease, these new laws are a step toward my goal of a healthier California" (Schwarzenegger release, 9/26).

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