Stem-cell initiative: Here is an opportunity for bold, new science

By Miki Gudermuth

The Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative appearing on the November ballot has become a target for misinformed opponents leaning toward twisting the facts to defeat the measure. Some have gone so far as to incorrectly associate stem-cell research with the abortion of a fetus, conjuring up phony or confusing scientific data to frighten people about the initiative.

These tactics are nothing new. Over centuries, medical science faced attack from those uninformed or pursuing some misguided theological notion. Until the 17th century surgery was considered a violation of the body God created, and even doctors practicing inoculation were threatened with death. In the late 1960s, when the first heart transplant was performed, doctors were condemned as monsters by those failing to grasp the potential benefit to humankind.

For me, having contracted polio at 9 months old during the summer epidemic of 1949, the importance of timely research for cures to dreaded diseases takes on a special meaning. During the first half of the 20th century, the scourge of polio killed or left badly disabled thousands of Americans each year. Those contracting this disease were often whisked off and confined to asylums. By the time Dr. Jonas Salk finally overcame negative rebuke that made many fear the polio vaccine, it was too late for me to avoid this paralytic and crippling disability. My husband, like millions of others, suffers from the ravages of Type II diabetes, which can torment the entire body with multiple types of disabling conditions from lowered immunity, severe fatigue, eye problems and heart disease. For these reasons alone, I believe my husband and I have special insight into the significance of the stem-cell initiative and would like to present some facts to support our position.

First, the Missouri Stem Cell Initiative does not promote human cloning. In fact, it strictly bans it. Under the initiative, anyone found guilty of attempting human cloning could face 15 years in jail or be fined $250,000. Opponents of the initiative filed suit claiming the initiative was misleading regarding cloning, but the courts found in favor of the initiative proclaiming it "fair and accurate."

Second, early stem-cell research does not involve abortion. Nothing in the initiative conflicts with existing Missouri abortion laws. The embryonic stem cells involved are not the product of abortions, but are leftover fertility clinic embryos that would not be used to start a pregnancy, and in fact would literally be thrown away if not used in research.

Third, stem cells are not fetuses. Embryonic stem cells are derived from 4- to 5-day-old embryos. At this stage, the embryos are spherical and consist of 50 to 150 cells that would fit on the head of a pen. Opponents have associated these with well-developed fetuses, a fallacy meant to sway the masses for their own purpose.

Opponents of embryonic stem-cell research frequently make the claim adult stem cells provide the same potential as embryonic stem cells. But unlike adult stem cells, embryonic cells have the ability to turn into any kind of cell found in the body and thus have potential for organ replacement or repair. An overwhelming number of physicians and scientists believe embryonic stem cells have the potential to provide cures for many diseases that cannot be cured using adult stem cells. Studies on animals have shown great promise for a Parkinson's disease breakthrough, and paralyzed rats have had their ability to walk restored using embryonic stem cells.

Polls show Missourians overwhelmingly support stem-cell research, and nearly twice as many signatures as required were gathered to place the initiative on the ballot. The initiative does not cost taxpayers anything since no state funds are being sought. The purpose of the amendment is to protect the right of Missourians to reap the benefits of stem-cell research. These benefits could affect you or members of your family and friends now or in the future.

There has been a threat by some misguided politicians who seek political capital by associating stem-cell research with hot-button social issues like abortion. The research protected by the initiative is already allowed under state and federal law, but it is essential to have protection against overzealous politicians playing to the extreme right who wish to ban this important research. The issue has never been whether or not stem-cell research will happen. It is happening every day in other countries where researchers are well-funded and encouraged to succeed.

What is at stake for Missourians and other Americans in this country is whether we choose to be partners in developing this bold new science and its potential cures, or whether we cling to the repressed dark ages, where existed the practice of hanging those who dare to cure through unconventional methods. Wouldn't it be a shame if Americans found themselves as dependent on foreign countries for cures as we are for oil?

Miki Gudermuth is executive director of the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence. She and her husband, Chuck, are Cape Girardeau residents.