I trust Ryan, he's smart.

Have you ever heard of embryonic stem cell research? Its something that has been characterized by some as the destruction of human life and by others as a potential cure for a wide array of diseases. Well its up for a vote in Michigan. There is a law on the books from the 70's that was written before the discovery of stem cells that prohibits the creation of new lines and bans state funding. It essentially handcuffs research opportunities in Michigan to using the lines of cells pre-approved by the Bush Administration, which have inherent limitations due to the limited number and because they were grown with mouse cells.

A Michigan "ballot initiative allowing Michigan researchers to make embryonic stem cell cultures from excess embryos donated from fertility treatments" is on the November ballot. Proponents argue that this would remove the state's restrictive law and encourage reasearch in Michigan. This in not only a potential cure or treatment for diseases like Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Cancer, but it could also spur a new industry in a state with dire economic woes.

Opponents claim that this could open Pandora's box and lead to human cloning at worst, and have ethical issues in using human stem cells. Those who oppose it often cite fertilization as the beginning of life and find it unethical to experiment on humans.

I think that ongoing oversight is key to prevent any misuse or unethical behaviors and that guidelines must be set, but we would be foolish to waste the opportunity to help potential millions of people and give Michigan a chance at a new industry and some kind of economic recovery. I see no problem with using otherwise discarded embryos in research. Currently they become medical waste. I dont see how that is more ethical or in any way better than using them to find treatments or cures for diseases that affect millions of people.

I see it much in the way that i see organ donation. If I am going to die, why not allow someone else to go on living with any organs that might be of use? With the donation someone may be able to go on living or have their quality of life vastly improved. With these embyos its a very similar situation. With them, much more research is possible which may lead to big breaks in medicine. Without them we are limited to the current research options and a more limited potential. Much like organ donations, the family has the say. Those patients at fetility clinics with extra embryos must allow their embryos to be used for research. It seems to me to be a much more noble end than to be incinerated as medical waste.

I support Proposal 2. If you live in Michigan I hope that you will support Ryan and myself and a give it a yes vote. I also hope that our next president makes such cutting edge research a priority.

Freep.