2008 Woodie Awards
Stem Cell Research
UCM hosts both sides of debate surrounding upcoming ballot vote
Taylor Collier/Muleskinner
Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
The University hosted an open forum on stem cell research Oct. 4 in the Elliot Union; representatives from both sides of the debate were there.
The forum featured speakers Lindsay Holwick, of the Missouri Coalition for Livesaving Cures (MCLC); and Holly Daniel Austin, of the Missourians Against Human Cloning(MAHC).
Holwick is an Outreach Coordinator for the MCLC and Austin is in private practice in Kansas City.
The forum's main focus was discussion on the second Constitutional Amendment, which will be on the ballot for the upcoming Nov. 7 election.
If passed, it will amend the Missouri Constitution to allow and set limitations on stem cell research, therapies and cures.
The MCLC has several arguments for why the amendment should be passed.
They argue that the research and cures protected by the second Amendment are already allowed under federal and state law.
The amendment prevents any unfair state bans and ensures that all Missourians have a constitutional right to equal access to stem cell research and cures available to other Americans.
"Why go to other states if the cure is available in Missouri?" Holwick asked.
"This is an equal access issue of society vs. disease, not republican vs. democrat or religion vs. science.
"Patients' rights should be protected, and we should put this protection into the Constitution," she added.
Austin argued that the amendment seeks to prevent human cloning, and that it opens the back door to government funding of human cloning.
"If the amendment is passed, it will pass with a simple majority," Austin said.
The MAHC are also concerned with the expenses the amendment may bring to Missouri.
"Cure your families in the least expensive way possible," Austin said.
Holwick argued that the amendment does not create or increase state taxes - the amendment will actually become a benefit for state taxpayers.
She also said the amendment will help keep and attract millions in research investments and will generate more state tax revenue in Missouri.
The forum concluded with questions from the audience where each side had one minute to give a reply.
One member of the audience asked what the difference was between adult and embryonic stem cells.
"Specific scientific details are not included in the research of stem cells," Austin said. "This is not a contest of adult vs. embryonic cells," Holwick said.
"Simply, this amendment will allow Missouri families to have access to the same medical treatments available to other Americans."
Initially, the breakthrough of embryonic stem cells could potentially provide cures for major diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, cancer and heart disease, to name a few.
The forum featured speakers Lindsay Holwick, of the Missouri Coalition for Livesaving Cures (MCLC); and Holly Daniel Austin, of the Missourians Against Human Cloning(MAHC).
Holwick is an Outreach Coordinator for the MCLC and Austin is in private practice in Kansas City.
The forum's main focus was discussion on the second Constitutional Amendment, which will be on the ballot for the upcoming Nov. 7 election.
If passed, it will amend the Missouri Constitution to allow and set limitations on stem cell research, therapies and cures.
The MCLC has several arguments for why the amendment should be passed.
They argue that the research and cures protected by the second Amendment are already allowed under federal and state law.
The amendment prevents any unfair state bans and ensures that all Missourians have a constitutional right to equal access to stem cell research and cures available to other Americans.
"Why go to other states if the cure is available in Missouri?" Holwick asked.
"This is an equal access issue of society vs. disease, not republican vs. democrat or religion vs. science.
"Patients' rights should be protected, and we should put this protection into the Constitution," she added.
Austin argued that the amendment seeks to prevent human cloning, and that it opens the back door to government funding of human cloning.
"If the amendment is passed, it will pass with a simple majority," Austin said.
The MAHC are also concerned with the expenses the amendment may bring to Missouri.
"Cure your families in the least expensive way possible," Austin said.
Holwick argued that the amendment does not create or increase state taxes - the amendment will actually become a benefit for state taxpayers.
She also said the amendment will help keep and attract millions in research investments and will generate more state tax revenue in Missouri.
The forum concluded with questions from the audience where each side had one minute to give a reply.
One member of the audience asked what the difference was between adult and embryonic stem cells.
"Specific scientific details are not included in the research of stem cells," Austin said. "This is not a contest of adult vs. embryonic cells," Holwick said.
"Simply, this amendment will allow Missouri families to have access to the same medical treatments available to other Americans."
Initially, the breakthrough of embryonic stem cells could potentially provide cures for major diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease, cancer and heart disease, to name a few.
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