2006 Missouri Amendment 2

2006 Missouri Constitutional Amendment 2

2006 Missouri Amendment 2 was a significant piece of legislation that was put to a vote in the state of Missouri in 2006. This amendment focused on the issue of stem cell research and therapy, aiming to ensure that any federally allowed stem cell research and treatments could be conducted in Missouri. The amendment was a response to the national debate over stem cell research, particularly the ethical implications of using embryonic stem cells. It sought to protect researchers and patients in Missouri from state-level restrictions that were more stringent than those imposed by federal law.

Background

Stem cell research has been a contentious issue in the United States, balancing the potential for groundbreaking medical treatments against ethical concerns, especially regarding embryonic stem cells. Before the amendment, Missouri had no specific laws regulating stem cell research, leaving the door open for potential restrictive legislation.

Provisions of the Amendment

The amendment, officially known as Amendment 2, included several key provisions:

• It allowed patients access to stem cell therapies and cures that are available under federal law.
• It permitted scientists in Missouri to conduct any stem cell research permitted by federal law.
• It banned human cloning for the purpose of creating a human being, addressing one of the major ethical concerns associated with stem cell research.

Campaign

The campaign for and against Amendment 2 was highly publicized and deeply divisive. Supporters argued that the amendment would position Missouri as a leader in medical research and innovation, potentially leading to cures for diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes. Opponents, however, raised ethical concerns, particularly regarding the use of embryonic stem cells, and argued that the amendment would open the door to human cloning.

Outcome

The amendment was approved by a narrow margin of Missouri voters in November 2006. This approval marked a significant victory for proponents of stem cell research, ensuring that Missouri would not impose restrictions beyond those found in federal law.

Impact

The passage of Amendment 2 had a notable impact on the scientific community in Missouri. It provided legal protection for stem cell research, encouraging scientists and research institutions within the state to pursue studies and applications that might have been restricted otherwise. However, the amendment also continued to fuel the ethical debate surrounding stem cell research, particularly in relation to embryonic stem cells.

See Also

• Stem cell controversy
• Stem cell laws and policy in the United States
• Biomedical research in the United States