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OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma House has passed legislation designed to prevent embryonic stem cell research in the state.
House members voted 80-13 for the Measure Monday and sent it to the Senate for consideration.
The measure by Republican Rep. Dan Fisher of El Reno would make it a felony crime to perform embryonic stem cell research in Oklahoma. The bill is opposed by many doctors and business groups, who argue it could impede scientific research in Oklahoma.
During debate, Rep. Doug Cox of Grove, a physician, said it sends a chilling message to the scientific community. But Fisher says he believes the destruction of human embryos amounts to murder and should be illegal.
Similar stem cell research bans have failed in the Legislature in previous years.
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Online:
House Bill 1379: http://bit.ly/1z9ZVYp
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