Aggregated News

A proposal to loosen restrictions on embryonic stem cell research in Michigan has passed according to analysis of key precinct results and exit poll data.

Proposal 2 would amend the state constitution to allow Michigan researchers to use embryos leftover from fertility treatments to create embryonic stem cell lines for disease research. Proponents, led by the bipartisan group Cure Michigan, contend the embryos would likely be thrown away otherwise, and because embryonic stem cells have the capacity to form nearly every cell in the human body, they have untold potential for curing disease.

Opponents, led by Michigan Citizens Against Unrestricted Science and Experimentation, object to the destruction of embryos on religious grounds, and believe the proposal as written would limit the state Legislature's ability to regulate the new research. They also campaigned on the grounds that Michigan taxpayers would foot the bill for embryonic stem cell research, a claim rejected by stem cell research advocates, including Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

A constitutional amendment carries permanence - both houses of the state legislature would need a three-quarters vote to overturn the amendment...