So then the amendment does NOT allow for the closing of human embryos? It specifically and explicitly BANS the cloning of human embryos?
It says it bans cloning, but then it allows for cloning defined by the technical name.
It is very misleading. The SMALL explanation that is on the ballot makes it look like a no cloning initiative, when if you read the whole proposed amendment (which is not on the ballot) it clearly allows for cloning.
The amendment falsely defines "cloning" as the implantation of an embryo into the uterus. But it allows the creation of embryos, so long as they are destroyed in order to use their stem cells.
The term "clone" has been redefined for this amendment. Here are key phrases:
Section 38(d). 1. This section shall be known as the “ Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative.”
(1) No person may clone or attempt to clone a human being.
6. As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
(1) “Blastocyst” means a small mass of cells that results from cell division, caused either by fertilization or somatic cell nuclear transfer, that has not been implanted in a uterus.
(2) “Clone or attempt to clone a human being” means to implant in a uterus or attempt to implant in a uterus anything other than the product of fertilization of an egg of a human female by a sperm of a human male for the purpose of initiating a pregnancy that could result in the creation of a human fetus, or the birth of a human being.
source: http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2006petitions/ppStemCell.asp