Stem-cell research on the ballot

To the editor:

Stem cells are in the news lately. There will be a Missouri constitutional amendment to support all kinds of stem-cell research on the November 2006 ballot for all Missouri voters to decide. There was also an interesting article in the July 2005 National Geographic. Adult stem cells hold great promise and don't involve the killing of embryos. Adult liver stem cells are a good example, since all adult liver cell types can be grown from adult liver stem cells, and adult liver regenerates (like in myth of Prometheus). I'm not sure regarding embryonic stem cells. Maybe if people speak out and say things like God created human life, and one of God's commandments is "thou shalt not kill," stem-cell research can be ethical, according to God's will, and help people.

LEE BECKWITH, Cape Girardeau