Information on Proposal 08-2 - Stem Cell Research

In the 2008 election Michigan voters approved a proposal to expand the research use of human embryos.

The following is the specific language of the proposal that was approved:

PROPOSAL 08-2
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.

The Michigan Department of Community Health does not currently engage in or provide funds for embryonic stem cell research.

The actual research use of stem cells is unlikely to involve our department because basic science research is not our function or something we financially support.

The Michigan Department of Community Health does not regulate the use of embryonic stem cells for research in any way.

Questions about embryonic stem cell research may best be answered by the specific institutions performing such research. Questions about the law should be directed to:

The Michigan Attorney General's Office
Community Health Division
G. Mennen Williams Building, 3rd Floor
525 W. Ottawa Street
P.O. Box 30758
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-3488