http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/housedebat_2024.mp3
The Missouri House approved legislation that would fund adult stem cell research...But debate on the bill was less about adult stem cell research and more about the controversial early stem cell research. KSMU's Missy Shelton reports.
The bill would direct some funds from the tobacco settlement to grants for umbilical cord blood banks...Money from the settlement would also fund life sciences research that involves adult stem cells.
The bill sponsor is Republican Representative Jim Lembke of St Louis County.
During debate on the bill, lawmakers debated the pros and cons of a different kind of stem cell research, the kind known as somatic cell nuclear transfer or SCNT.
Two physicians who serve in the legislature discussed why they support SCNT research...They say SCNT could lead to important cures.
Dr. Rob Schaaf is a Republican from St Joseph and Dr. Sam Page is a Democrat from St Louis County...Schaaf speaks first.
Even though SCNT research does not involve the merging of a sperm and an egg, critics of the procedure say it still results in a human life.
The bill sponsor, Representative Jim Lembke says SCNT is a destructive process that ends a human life.
Supporters of an initiative petition to provide constitutional protection to SCNT research hope to have voters decide the issue in November.
Representative Rob Schaaf says what scientists use in SCNT research is different from the kind of embryo that develops in a woman's uterus.
The bill that directs some of the tobacco settlement proceeds to adult stem cell research gained preliminary House approval on a voice vote.
It needs final House approval before advancing to the senate.