By Ruth Crayne

Guest columnist

As the great-grandmother of Rylea Shael Bartlett, who was born on Sept. 3, 2001, I am writing regarding Amendment 2, the stem cell research amendment.

Rylea was born with a condition called Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, which means she was born without optic nerves and is permanently and completely blind. She has never seen her mother's face, her father, brother or sister and isn't able to see everyday things that we sighted people take for granted.

At this time, Rylea's only hope of ever being able to see things around her is through stem cell research. Great strides are being made in China and other foreign countries and also in some U.S. states that may someday provide the necessary knowledge to give Rylea sight. Her parents, Dawn and Rick Bartlett, have done everything and continue to do anything and everything that could help her.

Rylea is a well-adjusted little girl and attends kindergarten in Webb City. She has received special training since she was 3, and continues to get special assistance to help her adjust to the sighted world.

The naysayers keep putting out false information about what Amendment 2 is all about. Former U.S. Sen. John Danforth, a very religious man, and his family are behind this amendment, and I don't feel they would support it if they felt it was in any way unethical.

In essence Amendment 2 says:

"Shall the Missouri Constitution be amended to allow and set limitations on stem cell research, therapies and cures which will:

Ensure Missouri patients have access to any therapies and cures, and allow Missouri researchers to conduct any research, permitted under federal law.

Ban human cloning or attempted cloning.

Require expert medical and public oversight and annual reports on the nature and purpose of stem-cell research.

Impose criminal and civil penalties for any violations, and

Prohibit state or local governments from preventing or discouraging lawful stem cell research, therapies and cures?"

It appears to me that Amendment 2 strictly prohibits "cloning." I ask that my friends and neighbors vote "yes" on this important issue. Give Rylea and many, many other children a chance to have a better life.