The amendment protects a process called Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT), the same procedure that resulted in the cloned sheep, “Dolly.” Cloning by any other name is still cloning. How proponents can call this amendment a “ban on human cloning” is shocking considering that SCNT is the scientific breakthrough that began the race to clone animals and humans.
The amendment would “prohibit state or local governments from preventing or discouraging lawful stem cell research, therapies and cures.” Does this mean the state legislature is prohibited from refusing to fund certain types of stem cell research?
Contrary to what we hear on the nightly news, stem cells pulled from embryos that were later destroyed have not produced significant research successes. In comparison, the much less controversial adult stem cells have produced medical breakthrough after breakthrough. Stem cells from umbilical cord blood, placenta, bone marrow and other sources have been proven very successful in treating dozens of diseases.
It’s ironic given all the controversy over embryonic stem cells that they simply haven’t lived up to any of the hype. Children with leukemia and diabetes have been led to believe that simply allowing government funding of embryonic stem-cell research would bring about a cure to every disease known to man. It’s a tragedy that this atmosphere of false hope has been created in order to serve the political designs of a few when most Missourians and Americans believe that life shouldn’t be created just to be used up and discarded.
The issue of stem cell research is a complicated one full of emotion, myths, and misrepresentations, and there is no need to move quickly to amend the Missouri constitution. Cloning is already illegal at the federal level and private companies are free to engage in any type of stem-cell research, whether right or wrong. Missouri should say no to Amendment 2.vThe people of Missouri would be well-served to reconsider whether they support this proposed constitutional amendment. If not, we may all wake up some day in a brave new world.
For more information on Missouri’s Amendment 2, visit http://www.nocloning.org/.