Finally, its time for Michigan to hit it in the world of embryonic stem cell research. Proposal 2 has passed according to analysis of key precinct results and exit poll data.

The Proposal 2 would amend the state constitution to allow Michigan researchers to use embryos leftover from fertility treatments to create embryonic stem cell lines for disease research. A constitutional amendment carries permanence — both houses of the state legislature would need a three-quarters vote to overturn the amendment.

One the other hand, the opponents, led by Michigan Citizens Against Unrestricted Science and Experimentation, object to the destruction of embryos on religious grounds, and believe the proposal as written would limit the state Legislature’s ability to regulate the new research. They also campaigned on the grounds that Michigan taxpayers would foot the bill for embryonic stem cell research, a claim rejected by stem cell research advocates, including Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Opponents claimed early and often that research into adult stem cells and reprogrammed cells obviated the need for embryonic stem cell research; proponents, including prominent stem cell scientists said it would be impossible to fully understand either adult stem cells or reprogrammed cells without understanding the embryonic stem cells from which they originally came.

Institutions, such as the University of Michigan, have internal review boards for biomedical research. Many universities have ethics boards that deal with this controversial issue. Both presidential candidates say they would overturn the federal ban, which would increase federal funding.

Source: Freep.com