The Stem Cell Controversy in Michigan and the United States

In November 2008, “The Stem Cell Initiative,” also known asCureMichigan, was presented on the Michigan ballot as Proposal 2: an amendment enacting the allowance of leftover embryos to be donated to researchers in order to create embryonic stem cell cultures. Embryonic stem cells are those obtained from the blastocyst of a developing fetus. As a result, the fetus is no longer capable of living. (Shuster 2009)

By contrast, adult stem cells are located throughout the entire human adult body and offer no threat to health and livelihood during retrieval. Embryonic stem cells are incredibly valuable because they may be utilized to form any cell in the human body; whereas the adult stem cell can only form the cells from the type of tissue or organ from which it has been removed. For example, a heart stem cell may be cultured to form cells relative to that organ. (Shuster 2009)

The amendment continued to outlaw human cloning, but permitted embryos that would normally be discarded, to be used to find cures for hundreds of thousands of people in Michigan alone.

Proponents believe that stem cell research will provide cures for individuals suffering from Parkinson’s, Lou Gehrig’s and Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, heart attack, Type 1 diabetes, and spinal cord injury. The research is focused on using embryonic stem cells to form other bodily tissues in order to rectify conditions that cause or perpetuate the aforementioned afflictions. In addition, Michigan patients and the healthcare industry will save more than 80 million dollars in treatment costs. Statistics revealed that close to 1 million Michiganders suffer from these diseases and may benefit from the research, according to Allen Goodman, Wayne State University professor. (Detroit Free Press)

The amendment passed by over 250,000 votes, thereby relieving the prior restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.

Previously, Michigan was one of the most restrictive states pertaining to stem cell research due to fear that scientists and for-profit companies would implement unrestrictive research and development operations leading to illegally cloning human beings. Other states with similar restrictions included North and South Dakota, Arkansas and Louisiana. Punishment for embryonic stem cell research was as harsh ten years imprisonment and up to a $10 million fine. (Citizens 2009)

According to the Detroit News,Michigan Citizens Against Unrestricted Science & Experimentation (MiCAUSE) is the leading opposing organization against the amendment in Michigan. The organization considered the proposal to be deceptive and hazardous arguing it would allow unregulated and unrestricted experimentation on human embryos as well as deliver false promises to patients believed to benefit from the research. (Detroit Free Press)

In addition to unrestricted experimentation, MiCAUSE was also concerned that research would be “too costly to Michigan taxpayers”, anticipating that although the bill does not address any state funding for research, state funding may be sought after in the near future. Because of this strong opposition, the stem cell legislation included a provision to prevent future administrations or groups the ability to inhibit research in the State of Michigan.

Further, Right to Life and some Michigan based Catholic organizations were strong opponents of stem research because it involves the destruction of embryos during the course of study. These are those “human Embryonic Stem Cells” that have potential to become viable persons, according to a 1998 discovery of “…the technique to harvest hESCs from human embryos, and then grow them in a lab…” (Appler 2008) Consequently, these organizations were sympathetic to stem cell research that utilized embryos taken from adults or umbilical cords, as they have no capacity to develop into a functioning human being.

The realizations in Appler’s study led the George W. Bush Administration to veto bills to expand federal embryonic stem cell research stating that it was morally unbound to “…support the taking of innocent human life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others.” According to MSNBC, most Americans disagreed with the President’s decision to stand against stem cell research. (MSNBC.com 2006)

Eventually, with the completion of the Bush administration, succeeding President Barrack Obama lifted the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research in March 2009. According to President Obama, the United States was losing valuable scientists interested in potential medical breakthroughs in embryonic stem cell research. They were leaving the United States for other nations like the United Kingdom, for example. (AFP 2009) The President will hold a commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame on May 17, 2009. The topic is expected to regard abortion rights and embryonic stem cell research. (Bacon 2009)

With the passing of Proposal 2, the State of Michigan now has the green light to allow leading stem cell research centers like the University of Michigan to conduct cutting-edge embryonic stem cell research as well as recruit leading scientists and researchers. (Medical News Today 2008) Federal and State endorsement now offers positive benefits resulting from the passing of the amendment, including saving millions in medical treatment, creation of nearly a thousand well paying jobs, and the right for the afflicted to look forward to a richer and healthier livelihood in the State of Michigan, as well as nationally.