Coalition Seeks to Save Stem Cell Research

A coalition of researchers and patient groups have proposed a constitutional amendment to protect stem cell research in the state.

Supporters of the amendment must gather at least 139,181 signatures from voters to get the measure on the November 2006 ballot. Antiabortion groups want to "criminalize some of the most promising types of stem cell research," coalition chairman Donn Rubin said in Jefferson City.

The coalition backing the measure includes medical professionals from the University of Missouri and Washington University; former U.S. Sens. John C. Danforth and Thomas F. Eagleton; and organizations like the American Diabetes Assn. and the Parkinson's Action Network.