Lawmaker to Discuss Adult Stem Cell Developments

WHO: State Rep. John Enns, R-Enid

WHAT: Press conference to discuss the latest developments on legislation authorizing state funding of adult stem cell research.

WHERE: 412C, Oklahoma Capitol, 2300 North Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City

WHEN: 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday May 19

THE STORY AT A GLANCE: State Rep. John Enns, R-Enid, will discuss the latest developments in his efforts to obtain state funding for adult stem cell research.
House Joint Resolution 1035, by Enns, would send a constitutional amendment to a vote of the people that would allow 10 percent of the interest earnings on the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Fund to be used for adult stem cell research. That would provide more than $1 million annually for research efforts.
Adult stem cell research does not require the destruction of embryos and has been successful in treating more than 70 conditions.
Enns, who previously taught college courses on microbiology, was in an accident several years ago that confined him to a wheelchair, making him a potential recipient of future stem cell therapies.

Editorial Column on Stem Cell Research in Oklahoman

Surrendering moral high ground

BY DONALD L. EWERT, Ph.D.
Published: May 2, 2009

As a research scientist involved in biomedical research, I have followed the developments in stem cell research and its ethical implications for more than a decade. (linked to column at http://www.newsok.com/surrendering-moral-high-ground/article/3366066?custom_click=headlines_widget)