MY STEMS

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Re-Restricting Stem Cell Research in Michigan
Rick Pluta (2010-01-20)
LANSING, MI (MPRN)

The state Senate Health Policy Committee is expected to vote today on restrictions and rules surrounding embryonic stem cell research at Michigan clinics and universities.

A voter-approved amendment to the state constitution lifted a ban on state funded-research using stem cells from embryos discarded by fertility clinics. Opponents of the amendment say it is unclear in many areas and needs definition.

Doctor Sean Morrison is the director of the University of Michigan Center for Stem Cell Biology. He says the Senate bill would restrict the types of research that could be conducted using embryonic stem cells under Proposition Two.

"That's like me saying that we need an auto industry in Michigan," says Morrison, "but we're going to regulate it by making it illegal for cars to have wheels. This bill would block most of what voters approved under Prop Two."

Morrison says the measure would also make it harder to recruit researchers because they would fear being charged with a crime. © Copyright 2010, MPRN