Follow the money, folks, because believe me, if embryonic stem cells offered any real hope, private companies would be lining up around the block to fund it. Sure, some would avoid it because of the ethical problems, but not all. That’s why the proponents of embryonic stem-cell research are beating the drums for taxpayer money. It’s their only chance.

Fortunately, we don’t have to turn our backs on stem-cell cures entirely. Other types of stem cells are helping us make substantial progress against disease -- and without any of the ethical quandaries associated with embryonic stem cells. Just this week, it was announced that British scientists have grown the world’s first artificial human liver. And what did they use? Tissue created from umbilical cord blood, taken just minutes after birth.

Adult stem cells are another alternative -- one that preserves life and, well, actually works. According to NIH:

“Adult stem cells, such as blood-forming stem cells in bone marrow (called hematopoietic stem cells, or HSCs), are currently the only type of stem cell commonly used to treat human diseases. Doctors have been transferring HSCs in bone marrow transplants for over 40 years. More advanced techniques of collecting, or ‘harvesting,’ HSCs are now used in order to treat leukemia, lymphoma and several inherited blood disorders.”

Dr. Hollowell points out: “For more than two decades, we have been treating more than 58 different types of diseases using adult stem-cell research. Some of the most startling advancements using adult stem cells have come in treating Parkinson’s disease, juvenile diabetes and spinal cord injuries.”

So, with such promising cures available without the taking of human life, why would Missourians -- or anyone, for that matter -- want to pour millions into embryonic stem-cell research?

Missourians deserve to enter the voting booth armed with the truth. And the bottom line is this: Embryonic stem-cell research is an abomination and a fraud.