Oklahoma House Approves Stem Cell Bill

The Oklahoma House has voted to provide more than $1 million for adult stem cell research.

Thursday, March 12th 2009, 4:37 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma House has voted to provide more than $1 million for adult stem cell research.

The bill by Rep. John Enns of Enid seeks voter approval of a constitutional amendment allowing 10% of the interest earnings from the tobacco trust fund to be used for adult stem cell
research.

There are two main types of stem cells used in research - adult stem cells obtained without loss of life and embryonic stem cells that are obtained through the destruction of embryos.

Enns says his bill does not involve embryo destruction.

Enns was in an accident several years ago that confined him to a wheelchair and he is a potential recipient of future stem cell therapies.

The bill passed 99-0 Thursday and now goes to the Senate.