Missouri Chamber endorses stem cell initiative

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors has voted to support the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, according to a Nov. 21 news release. The initiative, a voter-referendum measure expected to appear on the November 2006 state ballot, protects the right of Missouri patients to have their diseases and injuries treated with any federally-approved cures derived from stem cell research. It also ensures that Missouri medical institutions can conduct stem cell research allowed under federal law, and it creates ethical and safety guidelines for such research.

“The potential that this research holds for the biotechnology industry in Missouri is significant,” said Daniel P. Mehan, Missouri Chamber president and CEO, in the release. “However, that point is far overshadowed by the potential this effort holds for Missouri patients – the thousands of people who are afflicted by incurable diseases that could someday be cured through discoveries from stem cell research.”

The Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative was developed in response to repeated attempts by some Missouri politicians to pass state legislation that would ban, criminalize or restrict stem cell research.

Supporters of the initiative will need to gather nearly 150,000 voter signatures to place the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative on the November 2006 statewide ballot.

“While these legislative movements to ban stem cell research were unsuccessful, the action has had a chilling effect upon the medical research community. It has caused a halt in research investment and talent recruitment related to this area of study from coming into our state,” Mehan said.

Research boundaries

The Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative gives the citizens of Missouri the power, through their votes, to protect the rights of Missouri patients to have their diseases and injuries treated with cures derived from stem cell research allowed by federal law and available in other states. At the same time, it ensures that Missouri medical institutions and research facilities can provide these cures and conduct stem cell research allowed under federal law without fear of criminal penalties.

Another key goal of the initiative is to establish, in law, boundaries of stem cell research. The initiative bans any attempt to clone a human being. It also requires strict oversight and reporting of stem cell research activity.

Economic benefits

In addition to hope for Missouri patients, the initiative also provides immediate economic benefits for Missouri, Mehan said.

“It will allow our medical institutions, research centers, and universities to compete on a level playing field with other institutions in the United States,” he said. “The initiative will attract millions in research investments in Missouri, which ultimately will mean more state tax revenues and quality jobs.

“Most importantly, it will give our citizens the same access to lifesaving cures that citizens of other states have available to them.”

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry was founded in 1923 and represents nearly 3,000 employers, providing more than 425,000 jobs for Missouri residents.