[Bhaalspawn]

If Proposition 2 fails, I propose that the state government recall all of the new license plates that have the DNA double helix going through the middle and replacing the double helix with a Bible or a cross or a caveman wielding a club.

What sense does it make to try to pretend that you're a life sciences research (wannabe) state when the populace doesn't embrace all forms of stem cell research? The hypocrisy and wishfulness of the double helix on the license plates is laughable.

[Dwatted Wabbit]

A little background would be handy for us out-of-staters.

[Coldjensens]

Prop 2 is a bill that involves promoting stem cell research.

The concern is the potential for harvesting embryos for stem cell research. Abortion clinics already encourage abortions so they can make more money. If they start paying for embryos, then young girls may be encouraged to go out an get pregnant so they can kill the baby and sell it for research. I have no idea whether that is a realistic concern, but it is the expressed concern. Most successful stem cell research bills limit or prohibit the use of aborted fetuses for research (they are not necessary anymore). I do not know whether proposition 2 does or not. I still have to find the text and read it.

Stem cell research is here. Someone is going to be doing it somewhere. If they control it and regulate it and do it ethically, I see no reason why they should not do it here. Michigan is a strong place for medical research and that could be one of the things that replaces the auto industry.

[Bydand]

Here is the exact wording for Prop 2 on the Michigan ballot, including how it is to be worded on the ballot itself:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/so...2_251561_7.pdf

PROPOSAL 08-2
PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
A proposal to amend the State Constitution to address human embryo and
human embryonic stem cell research in Michigan. (Proposal provided under
an initiative petition filed with the Secretary of State on July 7, 2008.)
The proposal would add a new Section 27 to Article 1 of the State Constitution
to read as follows:
ARTICLE 1
Section 27. (1) Nothing in this section shall alter Michigan’s current prohibition
on human cloning.
(2) To ensure that Michigan citizens have access to stem cell therapies and
cures, and to ensure that physicians and researchers can conduct the most
promising forms of medical research in this state, and that all such research is
conducted safely and ethically, any research permitted under federal law on human
embryos may be conducted in Michigan, subject to the requirements of federal law
and only the following additional limitations and requirements:
(a) No stem cells may be taken from a human embryo more than fourteen
days after cell division begins; provided, however, that time during
which an embryo is frozen does not count against this fourteen day
limit.
(b) The human embryos were created for the purpose of fertility treatment
and, with voluntary and informed consent, documented in writing, the
person seeking fertility treatment chose to donate the embryos for
research; and
(i) the embryos were in excess of the clinical need of the person
seeking the fertility treatment and would otherwise be discarded
unless they are used for research; or
(ii) the embryos were not suitable for implantation and would otherwise
be discarded unless they are used for research.
(c) No person may, for valuable consideration, purchase or sell human
embryos for stem cell research or stem cell therapies and cures.
(d) All stem cell research and all stem cell therapies and cures must be
conducted and provided in accordance with state and local laws of
general applicability, including but not limited to laws concerning
scientific and medical practices and patient safety and privacy, to the
extent that any such laws do not:
(i) prevent, restrict, obstruct, or discourage any stem cell research or
stem cell therapies and cures that are permitted by the provisions
of this section; or
(ii) create disincentives for any person to engage in or otherwise
associate with such research or therapies or cures.
(3) Any provision of this section held unconstitutional shall be severable from
the remaining portions of this section.


The following is the official ballot wording:


PROPOSAL 08-2
A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ADDRESS HUMAN
EMBRYO AND HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH IN MICHIGAN
The proposed constitutional amendment would:
• Expand use of human embryos for any research permitted under federal law subject to the
following limits: the embryos --
-- are created for fertility treatment purposes;
-- are not suitable for implantation or are in excess of clinical needs;
-- would be discarded unless used for research;
-- were donated by the person seeking fertility treatment.
• Provide that stem cells cannot be taken from human embryos more than 14 days after cell
division begins.
• Prohibit any person from selling or purchasing human embryos for stem cell research.
• Prohibit state and local laws that prevent, restrict or discourage stem cell research, future
therapies and cures.
Should this proposal be adopted?
Yes
No


Michigan Department of State
ED-20 (09/2008)

The link also has the entire Prop 1 text as well. It is quite long, and Prop 2 is the bottom 3 pages.

[kimba01]

Agree again! Why do they feel they have to pay anyone for the embryos? I am quite sure that there are enough abortions being done without paying someone.

[Bydand]

Take a closer look at article 1, section 27, paragraph 2b. Aborted embryos, while not specifically mentioned are not to be used, only those that were developed for fertility treatment purposes. paragraph 2a would also limit that in most cases by itself, which is the 14 day limit after cell division begins on the embryo. Cell division starts on day 2 of development, which is the day after fertilization. (BERP: Overview)

[mich2fla]

North Dakota, South Dakota, Louisiana and Arkansas have the same restrictions that Michigan does. By voting Yes, it will bring Michigan on par with over 40 states.

All this does is allow us to use the embryos that currently are being thrown in the trash.

That's it, and that's all.

The thing is, in Michigan, you cannot use embryos from this state, but you can import them, which, as you can imagine, is a HUGE deterrent to do research in this state. This law would allow researchers to use the embryos created in this state, which are now being thrown in the dumpster.

[arod0331]

I've said this before....vote for stem cell research, the life it saves might be your own.

[jeanniepep]

I think I kind of have to vote YES on any proposal that might bring some new jobs to this state.

[1eyedjack]

According to this there is already stem cell research here. This ballot gives them free reign to do whatever they want. Seems like the dems would shoot this down because big brother wouldn't be involved !Would Prop 2 allow stem cell research oversight? | The Detroit News | detnews.com (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081030/OPINION01/810300336/1008# - broken link)
We have one of the six major places in the country already with 40 scientists at U of M.