Amendment 2 Debate Puts Missouri Gov. on the Spot
by Jim Brown
October 26, 2006
(AgapePress) - - Missouri's conservative governor finds himself at odds with pro-lifers on a ballot initiative that will go before voters on November 7. Some conservative groups, including the Family Research Council and Missouri Right to Life, say Amendment 2 -- known as the "Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative" -- would make human cloning for research a constitutional right in the Show-Me State. However, Republican Governor Matt Blunt is backing the measure, saying it allows for responsible scientific research.
When first asked by American Family Radio News about the amendment, Governor Blunt was hesitant to voice support for it. "I think what every Missourian should do [is] just to read information on both sides of this and make an informed decision," he said. "It's something you need to approach with a lot of study and a lot of prayer." He described the measure as "a very complicated ballot question -- and one that has, I think, tremendous implications for our state."
After being pressed further, Blunt acknowledged that he disagrees with those who believe the initiative would allow for human cloning.
But Dr. David Prentiss, a life sciences expert at the Family Research Council, recently told AFR News that Amendment 2 would allow researchers to create human embryos by the cloning process, and then require them to destroy those embryos by the time they are about 14 days old. But Blunt, who is known for his conservative values, say that is not the case.
"Well, to be candid, I've met Dr. Prentiss and admire him -- but [I] don't agree with him on this specific thing," the governor says. "I think this amendment establishes some boundaries for scientific research and essentially just says that in Missouri we'll allow research that's legal anywhere in the United States."
Missouri Right to Life says it does not consider Blunt to be pro-life now that he supports the measure.
Jim Brown, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
