Time to oppose research that kills infants for cells

To the editor:

Biotech companies have embarked on radically new cloning and embryonic stem-cell research. At stake are fame and vast fortunes which will be made by patenting and marketing products derived from the destruction of human life. Greed will reduce humanity to a commodity.

The recent controversy over embryonic stem-cell research is merely a precursor of the conflict that has already begun over cloning. It was only two years ago that President Clinton overcame the legalities prohibiting federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research by slowing private funding to be used for the killing of tiny embryos and the extraction of their stem cells. After that, he allowed our tax dollars to pay for research on those cell lines.

Since then, we have had to listen to a parade of celebrities like Christopher Reeves, Mary Tyler Moore and Michael J. Fox promote the research for the betterment of mankind.

We must not start down the road to human cloning or embryonic stem-cell research. We must stay the course using the many sources of adult stem cells and umbilical-cord stem cells.

Please contact your senators and representatives in Washington and ask them to vote against any research that results in the death of a tiny infant.

MARCUS SCHAEFER

Benton, Mo.