[imc-st.louis] Stem Cell Initiative in Missouri

[Fitzdon at aol.com]

Stem Cell Initiative in Missouri

Will the Stem Cell Initiative that Missourians vote on in November be 
beneficial or harmful for black Missourians?  This will be the focus of a panel at 
7:00 pm on August 2 at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd in St. 
Louis.

Moderated by Ziah Reddick, the discussion will feature Pastor B.T. Rice of 
the New Horizon 7th Day Christian Church speaking in favor of the ballot 
initiative and Stephanie Rubach, RN, of Missourians Against Human Cloning speaking 
against it.  The public is welcome to attend and comment.

Supporters of the Stem Cell Initiative say that if it does not pass, 
Missourians may not have access to the same treatments available in other states.  
They maintain that it is important for medical cures for diseases like sickle 
cell anemia, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury.  Many 
political conservatives challenge the initiative, likening the destruction of embryos 
to abortion.  But progressives charge that the initiative would target low 
income women for harvesting eggs to be used for cloning.

The debate heated up in late July when President Bush vetoed legislation that 
would have increase federal funds for embryonic stem cell research.  The next 
day, Thursday, July 20 Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced that 
millions of dollars would be made available for stem cell research.  This provoked 
a storm of controversy among the state's legislators.

Missouri is taking front stage of the fury with a ballot initiative that 
would be the most far reaching of any stem cell legislation in the country. Though 
emotions run strong on the issue, most discussion consist of preaching to one 
choir or the other.  

The August 2 forum will be one of the rare opportunities to hear both sides 
and participate in the discussion.  It is hosted by the Gateway Green Alliance 
and Universal African Peoples Organization.  For more information call 
314-727-8554 or visit www.gateway-greens.org 
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