Michigan State Proposal - 08-2 of 2008 proposes to amend the state Constitution to remove restrictions on stem cell

Stem cell

This article is about the cell type. For the medical therapy, see Stem Cell TreatmentsStem cells are biological cells found in all multicellular organisms, that can divide and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types and can self-renew to produce more stem cells...

 research in Michigan while maintaining the ban on human cloning. Opponents counter that it will raise taxes. The proposal was passed on November 4, 2008 by voters by a 53 - 47% margin.

The text of the amendment stated:

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.

In October, former President Bill Clinton

Bill Clinton

William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...

 came to Michigan to speak in favor of adopting Proposal 2. The Michigan State Medical Society

Michigan State Medical Society

The Michigan State Medical Society is the professional organization representing physicians in Michigan. Incorporated on June 5, 1866, the MSMS is a non-profit organization that consists of physicians, medical students, and residents. It is currently based in East Lansing, Michigan, near Michigan...

 took a neutral position on this ballot measure, as well as on two other initiatives related to health care at its annual delegates meeting in early May 2008.

It wasn't until after President Barack Obama

Barack Obama

Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...

 reversed federal prohibitions on stem cell research in March 2009 that TechTown announced the opening of stem cell research lab in Detroit. However, the opening has been delayed because TechTown has had trouble getting funds and State Senator Thomas George

Thomas George

Thomas George MP JP is an Australian politician and member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. Thomas George was educated at St Mary's Primary and Marist Brothers College in Casino. He has worked as a bank officer, a stock and station agent, a real estate agent and a publican...

 is attempting the weaken the amendment with legislation he has introduced.

External links

• Ballotpedia
  Ballotpedia
  Ballotpedia is a wiki-style website billed as "an interactive almanac of state politics". InfoWorld has called it one of the "Top 20 Election Day Web sites and online tools".-Purpose:...
  
  , Michigan Stem Cell Initiative (2008)
• Supporter website
• Opponent website
• Letter from Michigan Catholic Bishops (opponent)