Remove risk to research

[proud2BlibKansan]

This has the potential to devastate a huge and growing scientific research industry in Kansas City. We need to stay on top of this issue!

Absent a compromise — which appears unlikely — (Matt) Bartle's proposal to ban the procedure known as therapeutic cloning is dead for this session.

Bartle's idea of a compromise is to legislate a three-year moratorium on research until more information is available. That is simply a ban by another name and would put Missouri far behind other states, some of which are subsidizing stem-cell research.

An official from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City said the institute will continue to delay plans for a second facility until the threat to stem-cell research is definitely past.

That time should be now. A statewide poll taken this year showed Missourians support embryonic stem-cell research two to one. Bartle has had his day on the Senate floor, and was unconvincing. Legislative leaders and Gov. Matt Blunt should put the issue to rest.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/opinion/11362118.htm