Okla. House Nixes Embryonic Stem Cell Study

The Oklahoma House passed a bill Thursday that would prohibit embryonic stem cell research in the state, the Oklahoman reported Friday.

“We value life here in Oklahoma,” said state Rep. George Faught, the Muskogee Republican who authored the bill. “While we in no way dispute the fact that the ability to treat or heal suffering persons is a great good, we also recognize that not all methods of achieving a desired good are morally or legally justifiable.”

The bill would make it a misdemeanor to conduct research using embryonic stem cells, and prohibit the buying, selling or transferring an embryo for research. Certain in vitro fertilization procedures are not bound by the law.

A similar bill passed two years ago, but was vetoed by then-Gov. Brad Henry, a Democrat. Gov. Mary Fallin, a Republican, was elected in November. She’s expected to sign the bill.

“Oklahoma has decided to be a pro-life state,” said state Rep. Mike Reynolds, an Oklahoma City Republican. “We want to defend unborn children at every opportunity.”