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OKLAHOMA CITY -- A "personhood" bill making the destruction of human embryos illegal passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives 73-14 Tuesday morning despite concerns it will label the state as anti-science and create problems for fertility clinics and their clients.

The bill does not apply to legal abortions.

House Bill 2070, by Rep. Dan Fisher, R-El Reno, essentially recognizes fertilized human eggs as persons. It is similar to bills that have in the past caused considerable uproar in the Legislature. The bill was introduced last session but never was given a vote in committee.

On Tuesday, though, HB 2070 was subject to little discussion or debate. Rep. Doug Cox, R-Grove, was the only member to speak against the measure, saying that while it may be well-intentioned it was "closing the door" on some forms of medical research and would complicate in vitro fertilization.

"I have respect for what you're trying to do, but this goes overboard," said Cox.

Fisher said the "real question is whether we value life. ... I believe Oklahoma should go down as opposed to the intentional destruction of embryos. If you believe life begins at conception, you are for this bill."