Oklahoma Governor Henry Announces Plans To Veto Stem Cell Ban Bill

April 22, 2009 -- Oklahoma City - Citing misconceptions about pending legislation on stem cell research, Gov. Brad Henry announced late today his plan to veto House Bill 1326, legislation that would have made it a crime for a scientist to perform any form of embryonic stem cell research, the same kind of research supported by such pro-life, conservative leaders as Nancy Reagan and U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch.

Although proponents billed it as a “pro-life” measure, the governor noted that HB 1326 does not address abortion in any manner or save a life.

Article continues below...

“There are all kinds of misconceptions and misinformation about this issue, and that’s regrettable,” said Gov. Henry.

“It’s important to point out that this legislation does nothing to stop an abortion or save a single life, but it does threaten life-saving research and unjustly criminalizes scientists who perform important work, the very kind of research that is supported by pro-life conservatives like former First Lady Nancy Reagan.

“It would be morally repugnant to me to sign legislation outlawing scientific research that saves lives. I don’t think this bill is consistent with Oklahoma values, and I cannot approve it in good conscience.”

Medical researchers and state business leaders have worked to correct misinformation in recent days, explaining what is truly involved with embryonic stem cell research. Scientists believe such research could yield new treatments or cures for cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, blindness, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, spinal cord injuries and a variety of other ailments.

The research utilizes unused embryonic stem cells, or blastocysts, originally created to assist couples in their effort to have children. Because in vitro fertilization procedures often create multiple blastocysts for a single couple, many are unused and ultimately destroyed and discarded. HB 1326 criminalizes and punishes a scientist who, with the couple’s consent, elects to conduct stem cell research with an unused blastocyst before it is destroyed.

State business and research leaders also warned that by criminalizing legitimate scientific study, HB 1326 would have a chilling effect on Oklahoma’s research community, particularly on the scientists who perform the life-saving research. HB 1326 would also discourage research-based industries from continuing to locate in Oklahoma, dealing a major blow to long-running efforts to make the state a beacon of bioscience and high-technology research.

Gov. Henry said he will officially veto the legislation after lawmakers adjourn today and prepare to fight any override attempts tomorrow.

“This is a critical issue for the future of this state, and I think it is important that any veto override attempt occur in the light of day so all Oklahomans can see their lawmakers at work,” said the governor.

“I also want to thank the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the Tulsa Metro Chamber and all of the health care advocates for working to cut through the misconceptions and educate people about the dire consequences of this bill. They have been unjustly and unfairly criticized for their principled stand, and I think they deserve praise.”

Source: Oklahoma Governor