A bill that would have given personhood status to a fertilized human egg was defeated by the Senate 29-16 today.

Sen. Curtis Olafson, R-Edinburg, said lawmakers should oppose the legislation because of its sweeping and detrimental legal consequences it could bring.

He said the bill could tie the hands of doctors and mothers trying to treat abnormal pregnancies or cancers because the fertilized embryo would have full legal rights if the bill were to pass.

"This raises many undesirable consequences involving criminal law, civil law and matters completely unrelated to protecting human life," Olafson said.

No senator stood to support the bill.

Rep. Dan Ruby, R-Minot, introduced the legislation with the hopes that it would be a direct challenge to the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court Decision, Roe v. Wade.

The House passed the bill 51-41 in February.

(Reach reporter Brian Duggan at 223-8482 or brian.duggan@bismarcktribune.com)