Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ballot Proposal--
As you all know, there will be a proposal on the November 2008 ballot seeking to amend the Michigan Constitution to permit human embryonic stem cell research.  What most of you, and most of the rest of the voters in Michigan, don't know is just how far reaching this proposal is.

Passage of this proposal will result in unrestricted research on Human embryos and human embryonic stem cells. Yes, read that again. While those supporting this measure make it seem that the measure seeks to only use embryonic stem cells (that is bad enough), the language also includes the Human embryo. Keep in mind that the embryo is defined as that stage of human development that extends from the moment of implantation to the end of the 8th week.  (Wikipedia) 2 GOES 2 FAR! 

LIFESPAN will be preparing a special issue of the LIFESPAN News dealing with this ballot proposal. Look for this issue on our website in the near future, by clicking on NEWSLETTERS. In the meantime, see NEWS section of this website for more info on this subject.

What are stem cells?
"A stem cell is a cell that has the ability to divide (self replicate) for indefinite periods. Under the right conditions, or given the right signals, stem cells can give rise (differentiate) to the many different cell types that make up the organism. That is, stem cells have the potential to develop into mature cells that have characteristic shape and specialized functions, such as heart cells, skin cells, or nerve cells." Scientists envision drawing from "lines" of stem cells - colonies of similar cells that can replicate for long periods - to create new specialized cells for transplant into patients, to repair or replace tissues that disease and disability have damages.¹

Where are stem cells found?
In the adult organism ("adult" referring to humans or animals any point after birth) stem cells are found in the bone marrow, blood stream, brain, spinal cord, dental pulp, skeletal muscle, skin, gastrointestinal tract, cornea, retina, liver and pancreas. Another rich source of stem cells is the blood within umbilical cords and placentas no longer needed by newborn babies.¹ New research shows human fat contains stem cells.² The stem cells receiving the most public attention are found within human embryos. researchers harvest these cells by pulling the "inner cell mass," the 30-34 cells that will develop into the baby's tissues and organs, from the center of a five-day-old embryo.¹

What is the problem with stem cell research?
Adult stem cell research is not controversial; no human being dies when these cells are collected. The moral problem arises because stem cell harvesting from embryos would destroy them.³ There is a very chilling similarity to the Jewish holocaust victims who were used as available sources solely for research purposes. Today, we can see such actions as crossing a critical moral line where human dignity is no longer the first priority. Once we approve killing one human being to save the life of another, where do we stop? Why not calculate an individual's quality of life or projected social contribution and determine whether or not someone else is entitled to his or her organs? This kind of scientific progress is indeed a cold comfort for "spare parts."