This November, voters in Michigan may accomplish something incredible that the state legislature has been unable to do: lift the harsh restrictions on stem cell research in our state. This would be a very positive move for the state, as it would allow Michigan scientists and medical researchers to pursue cures and treatments for some of the most common and severe chronic diseases people face. The change in laws regarding stem cell research could also be an economic boost for the state, as valuable research could take place here and help slow the “brain drain” of college graduates who pursue careers elsewhere.
The idea is nothing new, though, as supporters have been pushing for these changes for years. Despite the fact that Reps. Andy Meisner, D-Ferndale, and Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing, introduced legislation in Lansing well over a year ago, the legislature has failed to act upon it, largely due to the reluctance of House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford Twp., to put the bill up for a vote. Ignoring the overwhelming support for stem cell research by members of his own party, as well as that of many Republicans, Dillon has thus far opted to side with the closed-minded opponents of this promising and desperately needed research.
Unfortunately, even if Dillon did put the bill up for a vote in the House, where it would pass, it would likely die in the Senate, where a frightening number of senators answer neither to the will of their constituents nor to the value of doing what is right, but instead to the dollars of Right to Life of Michigan. Faced with such impotent leadership in the legislature, the citizens of Michigan are standing up and demanding action through the next best avenue: a ballot question.
Before citizens can change the law through their votes, however, they must work to get the question onto the ballot. To do this, the Stem Cell Research Ballot Question Committee must collect more than 380,000 valid signatures from registered voters, a goal that they have been working toward across the state for several months. However, the deadline is nearing, as those signatures must all be turned in by July 7.
For the thousands of people in our state who suffer from diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, and those who have had transplants or spinal cord injuries, the change in policy cannot come soon enough. For type 1 diabetes in particular, embryonic stem cell research may be the only hope for a biological cure. Opponents of this research try to confuse and mislead voters with claims that adult stem cell research is sufficient to find a cure to diabetes, but it’s not currently possible. Adult stem cells, which are more appropriately called tissue cells, are simply not capable of becoming insulin-producing cells. Scientists must be allowed to pursue all promising avenues, something they cannot do in Michigan right now under threat of imprisonment.
People who suffer from these diseases and conditions are not the only ones who stand to benefit, though, as everybody wins if the ballot measure is successful. Michigan’s illogical and antiquated laws regarding stem cell research have held back progress and research and furthered the loss of valuable Michigan talent, knowledge and investment to other states. Changing these laws should allow those who wish to conduct this research or study these topics to remain in Michigan, contributing to the state’s economy, tax base, and knowledge capital.
Furthermore, Michigan must change its laws in order to be eligible for significant federal investment in research in the future. It is widely believed that a federal stem cell policy will be eased next year regardless of which candidate wins the election. If Michigan’s policies remain as they are, we will not be able to capitalize on much-needed opportunities to expand high-tech research and industry in Michigan.
You can learn more about stem cells, their potential, the situation in Michigan and sign the petition at www.curemichigan.com. There you can also sign up to volunteer for the cause, tell your story of why you support it, or make a monetary contribution.
The legislature failed the people of this state by not passing intelligent legislation on stem cell research, but we are lucky to live in a democracy that allows for citizens to assemble and act when their elected officials fail.
Ryan Dinkgrave is a State News columnist. Reach him at dinkgrave@gmail.com .
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