Amendment 2 - Requires Cloning

Despite all of the deceitful claims to the contrary, Amendment 2 actually requires cloning using Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer, the same procedure used to "clone" Dolly the sheep...Another letter in the Post emphasizes the fact that Amendment 2 really is about cloning and killing while successful Adult Stem Cell Therapies are ignored:

To the editor:

There are two types of stem cells: adult stem cells, and embryonic (ES) stem cells. Adult stem cells can be obtained from a patient's own body, and from donated umbilical cords, placentas and amniotic fluids of recently delivered babies. Adult stem cells have been successfully used in bone marrow transplants, and in treating numerous diseases including sickle cell anemia and leukemia, and have the potential to treat many more; a source of true hope for those suffering from currently incurable diseases.

Embryonic stem cell research involves the cloning of a human embryo, then destroying that embryo by extracting the stem cells. I don't know anyone who is against stem cell research; only the use of embryonic stem cells.

Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative says ES cells could provide cures for many diseases and injuries that cannot be cured with adult stem cells. Where is their reasoning for this statement? Ironically, given all the hype, embryonic stem cell research offers NO treatments or cures and in fact has proven to produce defects such as tumors.

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is cited as a recent medical breakthrough using a patient's own cells and an unfertilized human egg. Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative says that ES cell research does not use or harm an embryo or fetus in a woman's uterus. Where do they get this egg? Embryos created by somatic cell nuclear transfer are human clones. It's clone-then-kill.

If you wish to be informed, wade through the hype (and there is a lot of hype) before you vote. For the truth, look up either of the following websites: www.moroundtable.org or www.nocloning.org

Jackie Friedeck
Crestwood

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