Published: May 14, 2007 11:38 pm            

Local legislator files resolution against use of embryonic stem cells in medical research

State Rep. John Enns, R-Enid, has filed a resolution to support the Legislature’s stance against the use of embryonic stem cells in medical research, using his own injury to give him insight.

Enns believes using adult stem cells, amniotic fluid or cord blood stem cells are better alternatives to embryonic stem cells and are more conducive to protection of human life. Enns could benefit from stem cell research since suffering a severe spinal cord injury in a farm accident three years ago, but he thinks using non-embryonic cells will do more good.

“Ironically, we can get better results by using adult stem cells and other sources in research and treatment, but this has become a political game in Washington,” he said in a prepared statement Monday.

He said embryonic stem cell research shows less promise, but receives more funding than other types of stem cell research due to media attention. Enns has a degree in biology and chemistry and has taught microbiology as a classroom instructor. The technology already exists to make better use of adult stem cells from blood bone marrow, the nasal cavity and hair follicles, he said.

Doctors told Enns he would never walk again after his accident, but he has worked steadily and has since used braces and a walker.

“I am certainly farther along than my physicians thought I would be,” he said.

Harvesting of embryonic stem cells destroys potential human life, he said, whereas using adult stem cells, amniotic fluid or cord blood does not, he said. Also, there are numerous studies showing adult stem cells, amniotic fluid and cord blood provide superior treatment options than embryonic stem cells.

“If we would focus our research on avenues like adult stem cells, cord blood and amniotic fluid, our research would already be light years ahead,” he said. “Because of my injury, I feel a responsibility to help educate the public on the different types of stem cell research that I support. When it comes to destroying the values of human life, such as embryos from medical advancement, I oppose it.”

Adult stem cells will not cause any type of rejection in the body, he said.

“If you have your own stem cells harvested and manipulated and returned to your body where they are needed, there is absolutely no chance for rejection,” he said.

Embryonic stem cells are producing tumors in live animals, he said, which does not happen with umbilical cord blood, amniotic fluid or adult stem cells.