2008 Michigan Proposal 2
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Michigan Proposal 08-2 was a proposal to amend the Michigan Constitution to remove restrictions on stem cell research in Michigan while maintaining the ban on human cloning. Opponents argued that it would raise taxes. The proposal was passed on November 4, 2008 by voters by a 53 - 47% margin.[1]
Contents
The proposal appeared on the ballot as follows:[2]
A proposal to amend the state constitution to address human embryo and human embryonic stem cell research in Michigan.
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.
Support
In October, former President Bill Clinton came to Michigan to speak in favor of adopting Proposal 2.[3] The Michigan State Medical Society 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.[4]
Aftermath
It was not until after President Barack Obama reversed federal prohibitions on stem cell research in March 2009 that TechTown announced the opening of stem cell research lab in Detroit.[5] However, the opening was delayed because TechTown had trouble getting funds and State Senator Thomas George attempted to the weaken the amendment with legislation he introduced.[6]
References
- ^ Cain, Charlie. "Medical marijuana passes, stem cell proposal leads". The Detroit News. Retrieved November 4, 2008.[dead link]
- ^ "Statewide Ballot Proposals 2008" (PDF). macombcountymi.gov. Macomb County. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-10-28. Retrieved 2008-10-19. from Macomb County website
- ^ Satyanarayana, Megha (October 12, 2008). "Charges rampant on stem cell issue: Look into claims reveals facts behind stances of both sides". Detroit Free Press.
The campaign ramped up Friday when proponents of Proposal 2 brought in former President Bill Clinton for a fund-raiser in Pontiac to pitch the potential benefits of the research.
[dead link] - ^ The Detroit News. May 4, 2008 http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080504/POLITICS/805040333/1022.
Medical Society takes 'neutral' position on stem cell ballot initiative,
{{cite web}}: Missing or empty|title=(help)[title missing][dead link] - ^ Peter, Jurich (March 11–17, 2009). "Stem cell research lab to open in Detroit". The South End.
Passing of Prop 2 in 2008 election, Obama's recent support of funding opens doors.
[dead link] - ^ Zaworowski, Tom (July 15–21, 2009). "Lack of funding, politics stifle stem cell research facility plans". The South End. p. 1.
State Sen. Thomas George, R-Kalamazoo, has introduced a six-bill package that could undermine the initiative and restrict the use of embryos created in fertility clinics for stem cell research.