By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Opponents of embryonic stem cell research in Missouri are seeking to prevent the state from funding it by filing a new ballot initiative.
The language was filed with the Secretary of State's office by the group Missouri Roundtable for Life.
It reads, in part, that it shall be unlawful to expend, pay, or grant any public funds for abortion services, human cloning, or prohibited human research, as defined by a 2003 law.
The group claims that the law may have been undone by a 2006 constitutional amendment endorsing stem cell research.
If approved, the initiative banning state spending could go before voters in 2010.
The sponsors are also holding town hall meetings across Missouri. The first one is set for Thursday in Springfield.
KWMU also contacted a pro-stem cell research group, the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, for this story.
Their spokesman, Jim Goodwin, issued the following statement:
"We're extremely suspicious when we look at the people behind this proposal and their past efforts to ban promising research and deny Missouri families access to future medical advances. We'll be looking closely at the proposal in the coming days."