There are more questions than usual on this challenging article.  Don't get discouraged!  You will be voting soon and it is necessary for you to understand important issues like stem-cell research.  Do your best.  If you gain a general understanding of the issue, you will be ahead of many adults.  As you read more about this issue in the future, it will become clearer to you and you will be able to make informed votes.

1.  Why are anti-cloning organizers in Missouri criticizing a proposed amendment to the state's constitution?

2.  An acronym is a word formed from the initial letters of a name, such as "WAC" for "Women's Army Corps," or by combining initial letters or parts of a series of words such as "radar" for "radio detecting and ranging."  What do the following acronyms from the article stand for? MAHC, SCNT, MCLC, NIH, AAHS

3. a) What information will not be included in the summary of the amendment on ballots Nov. 7?
b) What is SCNT?

4.  What is done with embryos created through SCNT?

5.  What two procedures will the Missouri amendment ban if passed?

6.  What constitutional right would the amendment give to researchers?

7.  How does MCLS's view differ from that of MAHC?

8.  How does the National Institute of Health define SCNT as explained in paragraph 18?

9.  Why does MCLC argue that the amendment is necessary to protect embryonic stem cell research from legal restrictions? (para. 20)

10.  For what reason do opponents disagree with MCLC's argument in question #9?

11.  Embryonic stem cell research is the use of a fertilized egg, a baby or fetus depending on your belief about when life occurs, for research.  A very basic explanation of the opposing sides on the use of embryonic stem cells for research to cure diseases is this:

• Supporters of embryonic stem cell research believe that cures can be found for many diseases including Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.  Many of these people have family members or they themselves suffer from these dreadful diseases. They hope that the use of embryonic stem cells will find cures for their diseases, and don't believe that there is anything ethically wrong with using fertilized eggs to save lives.
• Opponents of embryonic stem cell research say that there is no scientific evidence that embryonic stem cells will be able to cure diseases.  They emphasize the initial success of using of adult stem cells (taken from placentas, umbilical cords and nasal passages).  They also believe the use of embryonic stem cells destroys human life and that it is wrong to take a life to try to save a life.

With which do you agree?  Why?