Stem-cell critics propose Mo. ballot measure

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Critics of embryonic stem-cell research want to amend Missouri's constitution to restrict state grants for life science research.

A group called Missouri Roundtable for Life said Monday it will try to place the matter before voters in 2010.

Its proposal would place a ban in the Missouri Constitution on using state funds for abortion, human cloning and prohibited human research.

Those limits already exist in a 2003 state law. But the group says the restrictions may have been undone by a 2006 constitutional amendment endorsing stem-cell research.

The group filed suit earlier this year seeking to block $21 million in state funds from going to life sciences research. That suit was dismissed last month.