Amendment 2 is commonly known as the amendment that gives Missourians the option to choose whether they want stem cell research and its treatments. True, but the actual amendment is a little more involved.

Currently, in Missouri, stem cell research is illegal. If Amendment 2 passes, it will be added to the state constitution under the name “Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative.”

The first section, seen by many as the most important, states, "To ensure that Missouri patients have access to stem cell therapies and cures, that Missouri researchers can conduct stem cell research in the state, and that all such research is conducted safely and ethically, any stem cell research permitted under federal law may be conducted in Missouri, and any stem cell therapies and cures permitted under federal law may be provided to patients in Missouri, subject to the requirements of federal law and only the following additional limitations and requirements...” The amendment’s next section states that no one may clone or attempt to clone a human being.

If Missouri patients are granted access to stem cell therapies and cures, they might eventually be healed of many diseases, such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and paralysis.

“They can grow fetus tissue...and that is really cool and exciting,” says Angela Bridges, a second year student at UMKC Medical School, with an undergraduate degree in biology. Bridges thinks the possibilities of stem cell research are tremendous.

Despite all its promise, stem cell research hasn't yet produced any cures. Religious leaders have raised objections to its procedures, based on the belief that every embryo sacrificed in the research means the death of a human life. Some also fear such knowledge will lead to human cloning, a risk possibly outweighing the potential worth of stem cell research. As a result, stem cell research across the nation has been hampered by a lack of viable cell lines.

The day to vote on Amendment 2 is Tuesday, November 7, 2006. Also on the ballot will be a very tight Senate race and a proposition to raise the minimum wage in Missouri. To find a list of candidates and their positions on these issues, go to the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.mo.gov, and click on "elections."

For information about what stem science actually is, see our story.

Copyright 2006 Metropolitan Community Colleges