Defining Human Embryo as “Tissue”

Published on January 5th, 2024

Memorandum of Opposition

Re: A117-A Paulin / S3230-A Hoylman-Sigal 
In relation to defining the human embryo as “tissue”

The above-referenced bill would add the “embryo” to the definition of human tissue under our Public Health Law. The New York State Catholic Conference opposes this legislation.

While protecting human embryos is a laudable goal, one which this bill purports to accomplish by regulating tissue banks, this legislation further dehumanizes nascent human lives by categorizing them as mere “tissue.” Unlike egg, sperm, skin, bone and other tissues, each human embryo is a living being with a unique set of 46 chromosomes. Cell differentiation has already begun as the embryo is developing into the born human being he or she will one day become.

We urge that this bill be defeated.