Massachusetts Senate backs stem-cell bill

BOSTON (AP) — The state Senate overwhelmingly backed a stem-cell research bill Tuesday and sent it to the House, where it could be debated as early as next week.

The bill, which encourages embryonic stem-cell research in Massachusetts, was approved 34-2, meaning the Senate could easily override an expected veto by Gov. Mitt Romney. The measure also appears to have veto-proof support in the House.

The bill would allow scientists to create cloned embryos and extract their stem cells for research.