Backers of the stem cell initiative on the November ballot kick off their campaign with ministers, scientists, people looking for cures, and doctors… One of those with the most riding on the outcome of the vote is the Stowers Research Institute in Kansas City, and its president William Neaves. Neaves charges opponents are misleading the public by construction an opposition campaign that pits adults stem cells against embryonic stem cells, or “early stem cells,” as he calls them. He says the issue is not a matter of adult stem cells versus early stem cells, but is instead a matter of society against disease. The issue on the November ballot does not legalize stem cell research. It prohibits the state from banning any stem cell research allowed by federal law. Backers say they had to circulate petitions to put the issue on the November 7th ballot because some members of the legislature last year tried to pass laws that would have made criminals out of researchers doing embryonic stem cell research in Missouri.
