Letter to the Editor

Your view: Vote yes for a cure

Friday, September 1, 2006

As a grandparent of a child that suffers from a disease that someday may be cured with stem cell research, I strongly support stem cell research for Missouri. Stem cells could provide cures for over 70 diseases like diabetes, Parkinson's, cancer, heart disease, ALS, Sickle Cell disease and spinal cord injuries that afflict hundreds of thousands of Missouri children and adults.

Unfortunately, some Missouri politicians have repeatedly tried to ban and criminalize important types of stem cell research in Missouri - and actually prohibit Missouri patients from having access to future federally-approved stem cell cures that are available to other Americans. Many untruths have been written about the procedures of stem cell research. It does not involve abortion. Human cloning is banned and, in fact, the initiative makes it a felony crime to attempt human cloning. The U.S. should wake up to the fact that our health care may be like our oil - controlled by foreign countries. We now have those that can afford it taking advantage of stem cell therapy in foreign countries.

It is hard for me to understand why someone would want to deny a child or anyone suffering from a disease a cure. I urge you to read the Initiative for yourself and get the facts by visiting www.MissouriCures.com. Join me in voting YES on the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative to ensure that stem cell research and cures will be allowed in Missouri.

Patricia Shell

Sikeston