Bill Would Ban Aborted Fetuses in Food
EmailAn Oklahoma bill that would ban the sale of food containing aborted human fetuses has some people wondering: What food currently contains aborted human fetuses?
The bill, introduced Jan. 18 by State Sen. Ralph Shortey, prohibits the manufacture or sale of “food or any other product intended for human consumption which contains aborted human fetuses in the ingredients or which used aborted human fetuses in the research or development of any of the ingredients.”
Shortey declined to give specific examples but said some food manufacturers used stem cells in the research and development process.
“There is a potential that there are companies that are using aborted human babies in their research and development of basically enhancing flavor for artificial flavors,” he told KRMG Radio. “I don’t know if it is happening in Oklahoma, it may be, it may not be. What I am saying is that if it does happen then we are not going to allow it to manufacture here.”
Shortey may be acting on claims that the San Diego-based company Semonyx used proteins derived from human embryonic kidney cells to test artificial sweeteners, NPR reported. The cell line, known as HEK 293, was created from a human embryo in 1970 and has become a staple in biochemistry labs around the world.
Some people are calling the bill a back-door attempt to ban embryonic stem cell research — a ban Shortey said he would support, KRMG reported.
Indeed, embryonic stem cell research is controversial. Critics argue it destroys embryos, which they consider the earliest form of life. But proponents say stem cell research could cure diseases. Last week, for example, embryonic stem cells were found to improve vision in two women who were legally blind.
If passed, the bill would take effect Nov. 1.
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Somehow, I don’t think that eating embryonic cells is how they would be used to improve vision, but maybe it’s just me.
Posted by: Christine | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 11:23 am
If only these republican congressMEN would spend half this time concerned with real life problems in this country.
Posted by: lexingtonlady | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 11:29 am
ABCNEWS….someone is messing with you…..you are being attacked!! LOL!
Posted by: Thoughtyouknew | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 11:30 am
I am so moving to a couple of acres and growing my own food! BTW ABC isn’t the only one running the story so there has to be some truth to it
Posted by: samhiguchi | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 11:43 am
In a related story a republican city councilman from mississippi is calling for the formation of a federal Department of Zombie Affairs.
Posted by: cicclinton | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 11:44 am
The only success is from Adult Stem Cells, such as the women mentioned, in the legally blind, please get your facts straight.
We must stop confusing the general population,
EMBRYONIC”STEM CELLS”=VERY BAD, IMMORAL, UNETHICAL
Human fertilized egg, a baby,that is harvested /killed for scientific research to save someone else. Embryonic stem cells have NOT cured a single person to date of any illness. FACT!
ADULT “STEM CELLS” = VERY GOOD, LOGICAL, HUMANE
Cells that are extracted voluntarily from living consenting adults to help cure others & does not pose any health risk to the donor or recipient. The only “stem cells” that HAVE cured anyone.
Posted by: jo | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 11:45 am
OMG!!! Can they get any lower with the scare tactics? Pathetic!!!!
Posted by: pksk531 | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 11:51 am
They’re aborted fetuses. Why can’t they be used to help others? Abortion is still legal, sorry folks. Use those babies for something good…don’t let them die in vain. Besides, I’m all for abortions – less kids in this country to go through our horrid foster system. Protect rights of those children first. OK?
Posted by: ProChoice | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 11:59 am
if these GOPers would spend as much time on REAL issues, instead of creating one s that don’t even exist, maybe they’d actually be helpful to society. as it is, they complain about “rules and regulations” while they make up new ones for imaginary situations. what’s next: a bill against carrying a unicorn in your pocket?
Posted by: bajacalla | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 12:00 pm
Wow – what a headline! What drama! What…bunk. So, no one is using human tissue in food – they are using tissue grown from human tissue that was aborted to test chemical’s effects on humans.
Posted by: Sheila | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 12:28 pm
Here we are… a broke country and we spend money to pass a law on something we make up? If we are just going to waste time and resources I vote we pass a bill banning stupid people from becoming lawmakers.
Posted by: Adam | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 12:31 pm
So he doesn’t know if it’s happening or not, but let’s waste taxpayer time and money writing a bill to stop it. He clearly doesn’t grasp the science/facts behind what he is talking about…aborted fetuses in food INDEED! LOL.
Just like the Sharia Law nonsence, this is a non-issue being promoted by people who get their “information” from viral conspiracy theory emails and being used to pander to that demographic in the electorate.
God LORD, people, we have GOT to keep this delusional, anti-science and intellect, superstitious, ignorant, reactionary, radical element from taking control of our nation as they are determined to do!
“BTW ABC isn’t the only one running the story so there has to be some truth to it”
Reading comprehension and critical thinking very much needed; what is TRUE is that this elected representative is pushing a bill to address something which is NOT true.
Posted by: RAVEN | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 12:31 pm
Just by reading this article, I can tell Senator Shortey is a Republican.
Posted by: Amy | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 12:40 pm
This is what these teabagger repugs are concerned with???. What happened to their mantra is jobs-jobs-jobs, protection for the middle class. This joker confirms its all lies. The loonier they are the loonier are their proposed laws. Next it’ll be we can’t breathe the air because it’s got oxygen in it.
Posted by: neastsider | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 12:44 pm
How about banning nitroglycerine from baby formula? I don’t know if there is any being used, but using the Republican logic we need a law just in case.
Posted by: Dave | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 12:55 pm
Oh yikes, that headline :-S
Posted by: msyellarose | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 1:18 pm
Taste like chicken!
Posted by: Will i am | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 1:26 pm
Soylent Green IS People!!!
Posted by: zapparules | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 1:49 pm
This is not true….maybe it is a tac by the GOP???? Cute!!!!
Posted by: mlee | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 1:53 pm
I am so glad my parents left Oklahoma before I was born.
Posted by: TX_AG | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 2:05 pm
I’ve heard baby humans are delicious…
Posted by: Heather Shofler | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 2:09 pm
Do we really need laws like this? Is our society that screwed up? I’m thankful that at best I maybe have 25 more years on the planet. Don’t make me want to lessen that!
Posted by: Tim C | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 2:11 pm
Wow and these are the people making the call for “less” government intrusion (LOL). This is just another example of a state where most of the population’s family trees can be traced back to a wreath.
Posted by: dan | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 2:21 pm
Sounds like the next thing to cannabalism. It was bad enough when I was a trucker and was hauling “Food Grade Wood Pulp”. I asked what the heck is “Food Grade Wood Pulp” and they told me it was used as “filler’ for hot dogs and cereal.
Posted by: MilitaryRetiree | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 2:28 pm
The Republican principle of “make up an imaginary problem to get support since we’re failures on our own merits” is alive and kicking, I see.
Posted by: Slash | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 2:54 pm
I am opposed to using embryos in the manufacturing of car seats. Can we get a law making that illegal as well?
Posted by: Jim | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 3:35 pm
It may not be legal to put them in food for sale, but please tell me it’s still legal to eat them raw!
Posted by: Michael | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 3:39 pm
“Mmmmm delicious again honey!! What was the seasoning you used on the Hamburger Helper?” “Why it was a teaspoon of Fetuseason!” “I got it from the Democrat that moved in across the street! It’s to die for!”
Posted by: Jimmy | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 3:53 pm
Leave it to the GOP to solve problems that don’t exist. Now, if they could only solve problems that do exist. Oh wait- they created those.
Posted by: Jamey Carothers | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 4:15 pm
lexingtonlady -the use of embryonic or human cells in food is a realistic consideration and to have premptive legislation to deter such a additive is a good idea. Consider that a major fast food chain uses earthworms as an additive to its hamburger and lipstick is made out of insects to give it its color anything is possible in this evil world we are now living in . Oh by the way, please do not confuse me with the new person “JO” who appears to like my user name.
Posted by: Jo | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 4:30 pm
If there is a fast food chain that uses earthworms (and this is not just something another nut job made up), I wouldn’t worry to much about it. They are a good source of protein that is perfectly safe for humans, and if you couldn’t tell they were in there without being told, what’s the big deal. People all over the world eat things some people find disgusting.
If it were true that aborted human fetal tissue is being used as a food ingredient (which this article points out that it is not), then a law banning it would make sense. This proposed law is little more than an election year scare tactic and a remote effort to end stem cell research and/or overturn Roe vs Wade.
This is just stupid.
Posted by: Thinks2010 | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 5:40 pm
must be something in the water in oklahoma…what a ninny!
Posted by: justsane | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 5:40 pm
And yet ANOTHER republican/teabagger waste of time and tax payers money.
Ole Shortey is short brain cells ……I D I O T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OKLA… tell him to stop..it’s YOUR money he is burning up to try and make himself a hero!
Posted by: Ala Claxton | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 5:58 pm
I love babies but I could never eat a whole one.
Posted by: Ed | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 6:05 pm
Can we ban aborted fetuses from holding elected office too?
Posted by: Jeff | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 6:29 pm
So, no foods actually contain human fetus or embryonic tissue? Geez, what an opportunistic headline…
What would be done with an aborted fetus, otherwise?………………
So, why is using them for testing purposes a problem?
Posted by: tosha5252 | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 7:43 pm
Really…very sad to read such uncaring words. No wonder the world is in the shape it is in. And politics has nothing to do with it. The cause in within the heart of Man!
Posted by: linda | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 9:39 pm
How ’bout banning the killing of infants with tire irons too! I guess Ralph Shortley has no problem with that one.
Posted by: Brave Brick | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 10:00 pm
Cells from aborted fetuses are used to make some vaccines and have been for a while. Why isn’t anyone doing anything about that? BTW doing something good from a wrong doesn’t make it right!
Posted by: Janet | January 26, 2012 January 26, 2012, 11:59 pm
This is why I despise politicians. They have an agenda and are willing to distort the truth and scare the uneducated public into believing it. A. HEK cells are NOT embryonic stem cells. B. The cells are not being added to food, they are used to test the toxicity of food additives so we can learn if they are safe to consume.
This schmuck is trying to put an end to stem cell research and is exploiting the poor education in Oklahoma to do so. Please do us all a favor and read a little and use your brains before buying into this trash.
Posted by: C Ph.D. | January 27, 2012 January 27, 2012, 1:41 am
This type of action by a congressman should be grounds for immediate dismissal. This is like some dude who walks around the office carrying a manila folder so people think he is working. Sad.
Posted by: Bryan | January 27, 2012 January 27, 2012, 9:57 am
only in liberal America, would you need a law to keep aborted fetuses out of food . Then again isn’t cannibalism still practiced in Kenya.
Posted by: true democrat | January 27, 2012 January 27, 2012, 1:31 pm
this crap is beyond stupid you know if only some people in the world started thinking for themselves the world would be a lot different. people will do anything to avoid work. As for what is unethical there IS factual research that has shown that embryonic stem cells have actually repaired problems that before with other tests and medicine hasn’t worked but has with embryonic stem cells. as for with food to my extent of knowledge and just finding this a day ago it is not for “eating” like it is stated or rather the stem cells. they are the HEK cells as described in Janet’s post, for testing the toxicity of the food to see if its consumable.
Posted by: cloud | January 27, 2012 January 27, 2012, 2:28 pm
I would like to request an urgently needed Federal bill. “Aliens from outer space are not allowed to use backyard barbeque grills – even with permission.” Because, if we ever encounter another life form that has mastered interstellar travel, you know you don’t want their food messing up your Weber. I mean, we will need legislation that prevents this (near nil possibility) from ever taking place. It could hapen!!
Posted by: Shannon | January 27, 2012 January 27, 2012, 2:53 pm
Bryan: You saw this was proposed by a GOPingnut, right?
Posted by: Shannon | January 27, 2012 January 27, 2012, 2:54 pm
First, there was a lot wrong with the study that included these two women with vision problems that I don’t really care to get into right now…least of which is the group doing the study has a history of over-exagerating their results. Second, PepsiCo uses embryonic stem cells in taste research which is one reason I won’t have anything to do with that company.
Posted by: Kristy | January 27, 2012 January 27, 2012, 5:30 pm
Suffering Succatash!!
I believe they only do that in China–It helps improve fertility.
Posted by: Bradley | January 28, 2012 January 28, 2012, 2:04 am
cicclinton – I literally don’t have the time to explain all the ways in which you are wrong.
Brave Brick – you’re a boring pro-lifer regurgitating tired illogical nonsense I’ve heard thousands of times before.
Posted by: JB | January 29, 2012 January 29, 2012, 8:22 am
Well, since the GOP has made up a fictional Obama to run against in Nov; why not a fake dead babies in our food campaign as well.
Geez, it is just beyond me how stu….excuse me, gullible some people are.
Posted by: KatS | January 29, 2012 January 29, 2012, 12:57 pm
This story is bull. There are no human fetuses in any food items. If any readers believe there are fetuses in food needs their heads examined.
Posted by: john | January 29, 2012 January 29, 2012, 2:29 pm
I’m been involved in this issue for a long time and I can’t believe what is happening in this country when this sort of legislation gets serious airplay. Fetuses are just clumps of cells which cannot serve any purpose and certainly aren’t people. I can’t think of one good reason not to eat them.
Posted by: Mike H | January 29, 2012 January 29, 2012, 2:43 pm
Once I was driving through Oklahoma and stopped at a diner and there was an aborted fetus, right there in my salad!! I complained to management but they said it was PERFECTLY LEGAL under state law, so I ate the damn thing but I was NOT happy.
Posted by: twistysnacks | January 29, 2012 January 29, 2012, 6:35 pm
liberals are idiots, if they would seek out independent media, they might actually have a clue as to what’s going on….then again, probably not.
Posted by: liberalssuck | January 29, 2012 January 29, 2012, 8:58 pm
Why not ban the sale of food containing aborted human embryos as well? At least 25% of abortions involve embryos, since embryos only become fetuses during the ninth week of pregnancy.
What are afraid of Shortey? Is there a human embryo business in your past you’d like to tell us about? Come clean, Shortey!
Posted by: Steve in Philly | January 30, 2012 January 30, 2012, 9:51 am
Why is it ignored that adult stem cells are having fantastic results (more than 700 fields of success, the last I heard)? GOD is Blessing adult stem cell research, but believe embryonic is being cursed, because it is an abomination (Proverbs 6–shedding of innocent blood) to GOD. It’s also repulsive to those who have a heart and conscience. (exalting self above others–that smacks of satan)
Posted by: Jean | January 30, 2012 January 30, 2012, 11:03 am
Over 10 yrs ago it was a documented fact that the Chinese were selling aborted fetuses to people because it was suposed to be a good source of vitamins and a health enhancer.
No one knows what we have mixed in our foods anymore… If it makes money it’s OK these days.
Discusting!
Posted by: Marie | January 30, 2012 January 30, 2012, 12:58 pm
See and this is what the Republicans have been doing instead. When they gained majority the second time under Obama they have pretty much said they were going to do whatever it takes to keep the country distracted. This is further proof that we need to vote these scum out as soon as possible.
They haven’t helped in one single issue. Waste of space if you ask me.
Posted by: Diudymus | January 30, 2012 January 30, 2012, 2:30 pm
“Bill Would Ban Aborted Fetuses in Food”
…this is a problem we are having?
Oh, but wait, there’s more. Since taking office, here are some of the bills this dummy has introduced: deny Oklahoma citizenship to children of illegal immigrants born in the state, allow police to confiscate the homes and cars of illegal immigrants and require presidential candidates to provide proof of citizenship before being allowed on Oklahoma’s primary ballot.
Oddly enough…none have become law.
Why haven’t theOokies recalled this moron?
Posted by: Diana | January 31, 2012 January 31, 2012, 12:14 am
I can get behind the use of stable, reliable and effective ADULT stem cells but not the dangerous, unstable, harmful embryonic stem cells. Especially when the getting of the embryonic stem cells results in the embryo’s demise. And that is tragic as well as useless.
Posted by: Melissa | January 31, 2012 January 31, 2012, 9:24 pm
Shocking headline being used for political purposes, to promote an agenda!! This is wrong and disgraceful!!!
Posted by: Janine | February 1, 2012 February 1, 2012, 2:33 pm
Articles like this divert attention from the next war for Israel.
Posted by: Marcus Spivey | February 1, 2012 February 1, 2012, 2:56 pm
SOYLENT GREEN
Posted by: keefers | February 1, 2012 February 1, 2012, 8:06 pm
Solent Green the early years?
Posted by: Masterblaster | February 1, 2012 February 1, 2012, 8:53 pm
I read about this somewhere. It’s aspertame (which, just as gross, can also contain the fecal matter of the genetically modified ecoli virus).
Posted by: Ashley | February 2, 2012 February 2, 2012, 10:34 am
Two movies do come to mind – In 1993 Alive based on a 1972 plane crash where the survivors ate the dead and yes 1973 Soylent Green. Many comments here show the direction society is going.
In 1973 Soylent Green was considered horrific by most and today it seems most would think – so what is the big deal. By 1993 Alive was considered a story of human ingenuity more so than cannibalism. 2012 if it did progress to stem cells or fetus parts in our food, most people really would not take notice or care.
Posted by: Paul OK | February 2, 2012 February 2, 2012, 11:42 pm
In addition to destroying human embryos (embryo humans), embryonic stem cell research is dangerous to the peole it’s supposed to help.The embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, which means you can (still more theoretically than anything else, the author cites on single study of their benefits)turn them into any other kind of cell, but this includes cancer cells. I’m all for research using stem cells that haven’t been harvested by processes that destroy or damage human beings, but using embryonic human stem cells is evil for more reasons than one. BTW the author obviously knows what stance is going to be favourable to her career.
Posted by: Delvine Delaney | February 7, 2012 February 7, 2012, 2:58 am
Genetically engineered flesh tastes just like chicken. Yum!
Posted by: tray117 | February 7, 2012 February 7, 2012, 7:23 am
With a name like Shortey you gotta try to bully somehow
Posted by: Seamus | February 8, 2012 February 8, 2012, 11:52 am
The only reason the researchers used non embryonic stem cells is that they couldn’t get embryonic. Many of the existing stem cell lines are so old that they’re not useful for anything. If we’re going to cure things like blindness, paralysis, deafness, and amputation, we need to find a way to regenerate healthy tissue. One of the few ways that we know to do that is embryonic stem cell research.
Posted by: carsch | February 8, 2012 February 8, 2012, 7:43 pm
That headline made me LOL. I was starting to wonder if I had wandered over to the onion news network, but, nope!
Posted by: steph | February 9, 2012 February 9, 2012, 12:09 am
Sen. Shorty is why Americans hate politicians. I think California should ban the production of any food that uses US Senators as an ingredient, not on moral grounds, but as a public safety issue. I would not want to eat anything that stupid.
Posted by: David | February 13, 2012 February 13, 2012, 4:07 am
I am positively going to have to grow my own food or I will simply starve. Personally i’m more concerned with the actual ingredients that make it into the food, aborted fetuses apparently don’t get past the testing phase. And with that being said I don’t want them anywhere near my food and that’s coming from somebody that has had an abortion not some “pro-lifer” that thinks the sky is falling (yet). This is a company that develops artificial flavorings and from what I see they use HEK 293 for testing. There is definitely noting to the contrary to that, not even from the company. A statement from them, i’d put it to bed. Ooh, no pun intended. So do a little research. Senomyx and HEK 293 with Pepsi, Kraft and Nestle (evidently Campbells severed ties in response to consumer response). Google that, draw your own conclusions, but dig deep, not just stop at the first site you happen upon. Go to Wilkipedia and search the company first, they don’t actually deny using them, very bottom. Their stance, Asked about the action alert, Rosenberg (vice president of investor relations and corporate communications for Senomyx) said, “We don’t discuss details of our research, but you won’t find anything on our website about HEK293.” If you don’t want to eat food with maybe or maybe not partaking, don;t eat it, the brands are right there. Stay informed people.
Posted by: DeAngela Osborne | February 28, 2012 February 28, 2012, 7:47 am
Seriously guys? Your disgusting.. You all deserve to be put in jail.. what has the world come to… Allowing people to EAT our own kids.. I don’t care if their ABORTED… its sad.. and seriously SICK!
Posted by: ....?! | April 2, 2012 April 2, 2012, 11:36 pm
First of all, embryos are little people and they want to justify destroying them in hope for finding cures to devastating illness among us. Ask yourself with that logic, if you were sick and someone hands you a gun and tells you to kill the person next to you to be cured of the illness you have. would you do it? its the same logic with the embryos, is it really worth it? not for me! and btw, our illnesses are caused by our sins, so why do we try to solve and fix illness with another sin? STOP… and REPENT.. and turn to God! it is our fault we destroyed and put flaws ‘Life’, now wait for Jesus to come back and remove ALL sins and ALL flaws from this cursed world. and Im ready for Him! are you? & until then, stop playing God, its not within our powers, but His, and He is in control :)
Posted by: LIly | April 22, 2012 April 22, 2012, 12:41 am