Stem Cell Ballot Question Fuels Debate
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October 6, 2008
Grandville, MI – Michigan is no longer considered a key battleground in the presidential election, now that Senator John McCain is focusing his campaign elsewhere. However, it's still in the national spotlight because of Ballot Proposal Two, which would amend the state constitution to expand allowable embryonic stem cell research.
Supporter Rick Johnson with Cure Michigan says the cells hold promise in treating diabetes, cancer and Parkinson's.
"We have the scientists here in Michigan. Currently, their hands are tied. Passage would allow these researchers to be able to find possible cures for different types of diseases."
Johnson says Michigan is one of the most restrictive states regarding embryonic cell studies.
"Current law in Michigan only allows for the people that are doing this type of research to use the cell lines that were designated by the President in 2001."
He says scientists agree that those lines are limited and have become contaminated. Michigan researchers can import other scientists' lines only through a costly and complicated process. Violation of current Michigan law is a felony.
Grandville mother Katie Clark and her eight-year-old daughter Ellie both have Type One diabetes. She says the potential of using cells from discarded embryos to find a cure gives her hope.
"The struggle of living with a chronic disease takes a toll on our life. I personally believe that embryonic stem cell research holds a huge amount of potential for a cure for me and my family."
The proposal allows couples to donate discarded embryos at fertility clinics. Currently, clinics can throw them away, but they can't be used for research.
Opponents say the change would be expensive and would lead to cloning and embryo sales.
Rick Johnson of Cure Michigan says those activities are prohibited anyway, and there's no taxpayer cost involved.
For more information online, visit www.curemichigan.com.