Amendment 2 opponents distort facts

To the editor:

A recent letter by Dr. Wes Wright criticizes those who support embryonic stem-cell research. But what about the facts offered by opponents? Opponents have claimed that 65 cures have been achieved using adult stem-cell research when, in fact, only nine treatments have been approved after 50 years of trying.

Opponents have claimed that big business, specifically drug companies, are behind the initiative when, in fact, it is primarily supported by not-for-profit organizations and those of us who either suffer from horrible diseases, have family members who do or work with the disabled community.

Opponents continue to tout the myth that the objective is to clone humans and create a market for human eggs when, in fact, the initiative outlaws both practices.

Now a doctor invited by opponents of embryonic stem-cell research to speak at a recent rally in Cape Girardeau, touted as an expert from Washington University, has been criticized by the vice chancellor for medical affairs of that university for not representing the views of that institution.

Opponents of Amendment 2 apparently have no qualms about distorting the facts.

Whether or not Amendment 2 passes, embryonic stem-cell research will continue and likely will lead to cures for many dreaded diseases. It is sad and tragic that elements of the community must be dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st century and eventually convinced to abandon the horrible blunders of the 17th century.

WILL RICHARDSON, Jackson