Despite strenuous objections on the part of pro-life groups, the Missouri House of Representatives voted to earmark funding to the state budget for human life science research.

The Missouri Catholic Conference and others advocated removal of all human life sciences research funding from the state budget, pointing out that the Missouri Constitution, as amended by Amendment 2 in 2006, does not allow the legislature to discriminate between ethical human life science research such as adult stem cell research, and unethical research such as embryonic stem cell experiments or human cloning, in funding human life sciences research.

The state budget originally restricted funding to plant and animal research. However, Rep. Ryan Silvey (R-Kansas City) offered an amendment to earmark funding for human life science research. At least one member of the committee misleadingly claimed to the committee that pro-life groups had been consulted in drafting the amendment, and that it met with their approval.

On Tuesday, March 25, 2006, Deacon Larry Weber, Executive Director of the Missouri Catholic Conference (MCC), sent a letter to all members of the Missouri House of Representatives calling upon legislators to remove funding for human life science research from the state budget.

Deacon Weber pointed out in his letter to Missouri State Representatives, “Unlike appropriations in last year’s state budget which were limited to use for plant and animal research and to which the Missouri Catholic Conference acquiesced, this amendment requires taxpayer money to be used for human life sciences research.”

“Once the legislature funds human life science research it cannot prohibit funding of unethical research such as embryonic stem cell experiments or human cloning,” said Deacon Weber.

Several legislators claim that the language of the amendment does not allow for unethical research involving human cloning or embryonic stem cell research. Deacon Weber addressed those claims, saying, “This argument completely misses the point, since any such restrictions are void under the Constitution as a result of passage of Amendment 2 in 2006.”

When the state budget was debated on the House Floor, Rep. Therese Sander (R-Moberly) offered an amendment to remove funding for all life science research. In the face of strong opposition from House leadership and the life sciences industry, the amendment was defeated 39-109. Sen. John Loudon (R- Chesterfield) offered a similar amendment in the Senate that was also defeated.

The issue was again considered during final passage of the bill, and efforts were again made to defeat the bill and send it back to committee where the language could be removed. Unfortunately, the bill was passed in the House and the Senate. Appropriations bills will now be sent to a conference committee where Senate and House negotiators will hammer out funding details.

The MCC will continue to work to remove funding of human life sciences from the state budget in HB 2007.