Deceptive Cloning Initiative on November Ballot in Missouri.

Voters in Missouri will decide November 7 whether to amend the state constitution by adopting the so-called "Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative." Proponents insist the measure is about "stem cell research" when, in fact, the initiative would allow researchers not only to lethally extract stem cells from human embryos but also "clone and kill" embryos at will.

In addition, Section 5 of the four-page-long initiative "prohibits state and local governments from withholding state funds from cloners if their institutions are eligible to receive public funds for purposes other than stem-cell-related activities," said James Cole, Missouri Right to Life general counsel. "Under the initiative, if an institution is eligible for state fundswhatever the program, be it education, health, economic development, or whateverthe legislature cannot prevent the institution from receiving state funds for cloning and taking stem cells from the unborn."

The initiative is strongly supported by pro-abortion state Auditor Claire McCaskill (D), who is running against pro-life incumbent Sen. James Talent (R). McCaskill is supported by EMILY's List, a wealthy political action committee that supports only pro-abortion female candidates who promise to oppose any limitations on abortion.

Sen. Talent said he "cannot support the initiative because I've always been opposed to human cloning and this measure would make cloning embryos a constitutional rightwithout regard to medical necessity or changing technology."

The campaign for the embryonic stem cell initiative has been funded almost exclusively by James and Virginia Stowers and their Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, according to the Associated Press (AP). The Stowers had already contributed $9.5 million by May 17, including $4 million that was spent to collect signatures to get the initiative on the ballot, the AP reported.

The institute conducts stem cell research, and announced plans for expansion if the initiative passes, according to the Kansas City Star. "Missourians are not going to be deceived by them saying, 'We will build if, we'll put our money into Missouri if you vote to kill human life and kill human embryos,'" Sue Klein, Missouri Right to Life legislative liaison, told the Star. "Missourians will see that for what it is."

The description of the proposed constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot states that the initiative will "allow and set limitations on stem cell research, therapies, and cures" and "ban human cloning." However, a close reading of the actual amendment language shows a much different agenda.