Austin, TX (LifeNews.com) -- A Texas panel plans to hold a hearing on the status of adult stem cell research and its ability to provide life-saving cures for patients. The Texas House Appropriations Subcommittee on Adult Stem Cell Research will meet next Wednesday to hear invited testimony.

Lawmakers will hear about the latest advances and treatments in Texas and the potential for commercializing that research.

Speaker Tom Craddick has asked the panel to assess the potential for clinical and economic benefits of the use of state funds for current and increased adult stem cell research.

Joseph and Darlene Davis from Dallas County will testify how their older son was cured of sickle cell anemia using adult stem cells.

They will be joined by a representative of SpineSmith, an Austin-based company that provides adult stem cell products to help regenerate the spine.

Texas Alliance for Life's executive director Joe Pojman told LifeNews.com he commended the legislature for its focus on adult stem cell research because it has more potential and is more ethical than embryonic forms.

"They are wisely moving Texas beyond the protracted debate about the ethical problems of creating and destroying human embryos for research into the wide, wide world of adult stem cell treatments that are already saving lives," he said.

"Because obtaining adult stem cells does not harm the donor and because the adult stem cell treatments are highly effective, we strongly support the state's continued investment in this promising technology," Pojman added.

Related web sites:
Texas Alliance for Life - http://www.texasallianceforlife.org
Texas House - http://www.house.state.tx.us/welcome.php