Stemcell Therapy Technology News

By DAWSON BELL

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

LANSING -- A group seeking to expand medical research using embryonic stem cells in Michigan announced Tuesday that it has submitted language for a proposed constitutional amendment that would end the state's prohibition on the destruction of human embryos for research purposes.

The Stem Cell Ballot Question Committee in Michigan wants to authorize the use of excess or unsuitable embryos from fertility clinics that "would otherwise be discarded unless they are used for research." In contrast to legislation aimed at opening up research on stem cells, the ballot proposal affirms Michigan's law prohibiting human cloning.

Backers of the proposal would like to collect enough petition signatures -- 380,126 -- to put the issue before voters in November.

Opponents, led by the Michigan Catholic Conference and Right to Life organizations, are unlikely to soften their views, even without cloning issues.

Catholic Conference spokesman Dave Maluchnik said Tuesday that the measure is under review but that efforts to legalize research that destroys embryos is "terribly unfortunate," reversing 30 years of public policy in Michigan.

Advocates of embryonic stem-cell research say stem cells derived from embryos offer immense promise for treatment of chronic disease and injury. A state elections panel is to review the ballot proposal language Friday. The committee has a July 7 deadline to collect the signatures to qualify for the November ballot.