The only consolation in Illinois lawmakers’ rejection of a bill that would have made it official state policy to permit stem cell research is that the legislation was defeated by a narrow margin. Only two more votes were needed to pass the bill that had the potential to open doors to curing diseases ranging from diabetes to Alzheimer’s.

On Thursday, legislators voted down the bill, which would have required that patients at fertility clinics be told about the option to donate unneeded embryos for research. It also would have made cloning for the purpose of reproducing human beings a felony offense. Thirty votes were needed to pass the bill in the Senate. Only 28 were received.

It is disappointing that legislators failed to recognize the benefits of stem cell research.

While the legislation would not have provided any public funds for the research, the bill would have been a symbolic step in welcoming stem cell research at Illinois hospitals and universities.

It also would have been the first step in significant medical advancement. Because of the ability of stem cells to divide and become any kind of cell in the body, scientists are hopeful that the cells could be used to rejuvenate failing hearts, livers, brains and other organs.

With so many opportunities to revolutionize the medical field, permitting stem cell research is critical in all states.

California set the standard by not only approving the research but also public funding for it. New Jersey legislators also have endorsed the research, and Wisconsin is considering public funding.

Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg (D-Evanston), the bill’s sponsor, said he will try to get the bill passed again, possibly during the legislature’s spring session.

Let’s hope by that time, Illinois lawmakers will have learned to take a cue from their fellow states and welcome stem cell research – and all the benefits that accompany it – into the state of Illinois.