Let voters decide stem-cell issue

Last week, a coalition of patient advocacy groups, medical organizations and concerned citizens launched an effort to put an end to the debate on stem-cell research in Missouri.

Their idea? Let the voters decide.

The strategy of the Missouri Coalition for Life-Saving Cures is not without bias. Of course, they're hoping voters will agree with them and "protect" any stem-cell research already permitted by federal law in Missouri.

The group hopes to gather 150,000 voter signatures needed to place the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative on the November 2006 statewide ballot. If passed, the state would have a new constitutional amendment protecting stem-cell research and treatment.

The debate centers on a form of early stem-cell research known as somatic cell nuclear transfer, in which the nucleus of an unfertilized egg is replaced with the nucleus of a cell from another body part. The altered egg then is stimulated to grow, and the resulting stem cells are harvested.

Stem cells can potentially develop into any type of human tissue. Researchers hope those stem cells can lead to cures for ailments such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, cancer and spinal cord injuries. Opponents say the procedure destroys human life.

The initiative is a direct response to recent attempts by some Missouri politicians to pass legislation limiting stem-cell research. Earlier this year, the Senate's pro-life majority was split over legislation to ban a certain type of early stem-cell research.

The bill fizzled without reaching a vote. But it got enough attention to provoke this drive to place the issue before the voters. The initiative would need a simple majority vote to pass.

Opponents of stem-cell research view human stem cells as the precursor to the creation of life, a process they consider sacred. They believe stem-cell research is wrong.

There is seldom any middle ground in debates that mix science and religion. Agree with them or not, perhaps this group has found one by putting the decision in the hands of the people.