International Association of Fire Fighters, Missouri Locals 42 and 3808 Endorse Amendment 2, Missouri Stem Cell Initiative

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The International Association of Fire Fighters, Missouri Locals 42 and 3808 have joined with 100 patient and medical groups in endorsing Amendment 2, the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, because of the potential that stem cells hold for developing treatments for burn victims.
The Amendment on the November ballot ensures that Missourians will have the same access to any federally approved stem cell cures and therapies as other Americans.
"As firefighters and EMS professionals, we know firsthand the pain, disfigurement and emotional costs that burn victims face," said Louie Wright, president of IAFF Missouri Local 42.
"We strongly urge Missourians to vote yes on Amendment 2 because we believe stem cell research could provide new treatments for severe burns and injuries that affect thousands of citizens and firefighters."
Scientists believe it also may be possible to use embryonic, or early, stem (ES) cells to generate healthy new epidermal and dermal skin cells.
Burn victims could also benefit from a developing field of stem cell therapy called somatic cell nuclear transfer, or SCNT.
In this process, the nucleus from a human cell, such as a skin cell, is combined with an unfertilized human egg cell. Within a few days, ES cells are created.
These cells could then be used to generate healthy new tissue, such as skin, without the risk of the immune-rejection problems common to donated tissue and organ transplants.
"The Stem Cell Initiative ensures that Missourians will continue to have access to those medical treatments that could relieve human suffering and save lives," said Patrick Dujakovich, president of IAFF Missouri Local 3808.
"It is the right thing to do for our families, our neighbors and our fellow firefighters."