Cloning needs clarification

Intro: The House Health Committee heard testimony on a bill to undo provisions of the stem cell research amendment approved by voters in November. With more from the Capitol, here's Sarah Wire.

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Discussion of the resolution which would define the meaning of human cloning drew heated supporters from both sides of this sensitive issue.

St. Louis County's Jim Lembke, who sponsored the resolution said it is the responsibility of legislators to protect human life.

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Description: And our responsibility, our constitutional responsibility is first and foremost to protect life and when in doubt, let's protect that life. And of course the scientific evidence tells us that this is life, it's human life.

Opponents of the proposed change, such as Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures chairman Donn Rubin say the original amendment already makes human cloning illegal and say placing the amendment back on the ballot is an attempt to 're-do' the vote.

From the Capitol, I'm Sarah Wire.

Intro: A St. Louis County legislator tried to convince his colleagues Tuesday to place the Missouri Stem Cell Initiative back on the ballot. RunTime:
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Opponents, such as Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cure Chairman Donn Rubin, called the move a second try for a losing side.

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Description: At the crux of HJR 11 is that stem cell opponents want a re-do, they want to undo what the Missouri voters just passed.

St. Louis County's Jim Lembke told the House Health Committee Tuesday he wants to define human cloning and give the legislature the ability to enact laws concerning health care research but said the resolution will not change the amendments original purpose.

Although Lembke asked the committee to place the issue onto November's ballot, the committee did not immediately act upon the resolution.

From the Capitol, I'm Sarah Wire.

Intro: In what opponents are calling a re-do a St. Louis County Legislaotr tried to convince his colleagues to place the stem cell initiative back on the ballot RunTime:
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Intro: A St. Louis County Legislator tried to convince his colleagues to effectively overturn a constitutional amendment voted on last November by Missouri citizens.

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St. Louis County's Jim Lembke presented his proposal to the House Health Committee.

It would change the definition banned cloning to cover some forms of stem-cell research the November ballot issue sought to permit.

Lembke said voters confused about the wording of the November proposal and that the issue would be sent back to voters:

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Description: HJR 11 does not appeal one word of amendment two, but it gives the voters the ability to finish the job.

But opponents said that Missourians have already decided on the matter and Lembke's proposal is an effort to stall stem cell research.

The committee did not immediately act upon the resolution.

From the Capitol, I'm Sarah Wire