Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative
December 19th, 2005 by Vihar Sheth | Posted in Science, SocietyAn amazing campaign is underway for the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative proposed for the November 2006 state ballot. This initiative has tremendous, positive implications not only for the state of Missouri but the entire country. Missouri, and St. Louis in particular, is a hub for biotechnology commonly known as the BioBelt and the region has the ability to make cures for common, devastating diseases a reality by expanding its already considerable knowledge base and resources. All it needs now is the legislative approval to do what is already permitted by the federal government.
This initiative, when passed, will make it clear in the state constitution that any stem cell research, therapies or cures that are permitted by federal law will be allowed in Missouri provided that such activities are conducted ethically and safely and do not involve human reproductive cloning to create babies. The reasons to support this type of initiative in Missouri or any other state are compelling:
(1) Conducted properly, stem cell research has the power to cure the most debilitating and deadly diseases on the planet;
(2) The positive economic impact of such an initiative is almost immeasurable: (a) jobs will be created, (b) new companies will be established, (c) research grants and investments will be made, (d) infrastructure will be developed, and (e) universities will attract more scientists as students and employees. This is vital now more than ever as America’s attractiveness to foreign students of higher education is wavering amid disastrous foreign policy;
(3) The greater the investment in stem cell research in the United States, the greater our ability to maintain integrity in research, experimentation and implementation. This is not to say other countries are not to be trusted, but in light of the recent scandal in South Korea, making certain stem cell research conducted anywhere is done ethically and within legal limits is vital. Granted, this could have happened anywhere on the world - including our own backyard - but if the majority of stem cell research occurs within our borders the best controls can be implemented and oversight can be maintained. This will build public trust in the research and guarantee access to the safest medicine derived from stem cell research to our own citizens and the rest of the world.
Opposition abounds but most of the criticism comes from parties uneducated on the subject. Religious groups and conservatives are the most vocal critics of stem cell research for various reasons but support for this initiative is not coming from progressive groups alone. While most of the medical community backs this initiative strongly a few voices of support have come from traditionally unlikely sources, a former Republican Senator and a current Republican Governor:
“I’m pro-life. During my entire career, I voted pro-life. I strongly support the Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative because it will save lives and because it respects the sanctity of life. It protects medical research and cures that can save the lives of hundreds of thousands of Missouri children and adults — and it strictly bans human cloning.”
Senator John C. Danforth
Former U.S. Senator for Missouri
Honorary Co-Chair, Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures“The governor is supportive of this petition. He believes this is a step forward in banning human cloning and protecting responsible research.”
Gov. Matt Blunt (R-MO) spokesman Spence Jackson
Dexter Daily Statesman, October 13, 2005
Support from unlikely groups is not only political either. The St. Louis Chapter of the American Jewish Congress and the Metropolitan St. Louis Clergy Coalition are two of many religious groups supporting the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, the official coalition of concerned citizens and organizations supporting the initiative. For a partial list of advocacy, academic, business, civic, faith-based and governmental organizations supporting this initiative click here.
If other states are seeking to legalize stem cell research, as permitted by the federal government, they should look to Missouri as a model. The initiative has a long way to go before it is passed in November of 2006, but those in charge of this effort have put made sure to give it the best chance possible to face any and all opposition. Here’s to responsible advances in science and a healthier, more disease-free society.
Disclaimer: I am a resident of the state of Missouri but at the time of this writing have no involvement with this organization or its efforts.
