New Jersey is considering fetal farms

To the editor:

The latest scientific studies indicate that adult stem cells could be used to treat diabetes, brain damage, multiple sclerosis and sickle-cell anemia. Stem cells from bone marrow could be converted into insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas to replace those damaged by diabetes.

Meanwhile New Jersey is attempting to become the first (and hopefully only ) state to allow the establishment of human embryo and fetal farms as well as authorizing the birth of cloned human beings. One of New Jersey's U.S. senators, Jon Corizine, donated $10,000 to a pro-cloning group. This contribution serves as an open invitation to radical groups to establish residence and cloning labs in the Garden State.

By the time this letter is read our country will no doubt be at war against a terrorist regime. We all pray for peace or a speedy end to the war. We pray for our men and women who are making the ultimate sacrifice for freedom for the Iraqi people. We hope to bring them the gift of democracy, American style. But if we allow the establishment of human embryo and fetal farms and the birth of cloned human beings for scientific research, whose country will be a safe haven terrorists then?

CHRISTINE E. STEPHENS

Cape Girardeau