Stem

State laws may restrict some or all sources for embryonic stem cells or specifically permit certain activities. State laws on the issue vary widely. Approaches to stem cell research policy range from laws in California and New Jersey, which encourage embryonic stem cell research, including on cloned embryos, to South Dakota's law, which strictly forbids research on embryos regardless of the source. If, however, a fetus is aborted for the health of the mother in South Dakota, the fetus may be used for research purposes with maternal consent. Many states restrict research on aborted fetuses or embryos, but research is often permitted with consent of the patient. Almost half of the states also restrict the sale of fetuses or embryos. Louisiana is the only state that specifically prohibits research on IVF embryos. Illinois and Michigan also prohibit research on live embryos. Finally, Arkansas, Iowa, Michigan and North Dakota prohibit research on cloned embryos. Virginia's