Michigan voted ‘yes’ on Tuesday to an amendment that will expand research and loosen restrictions on human embryonic stem cell research. The amendment, Proposal 08-2, passed 52%-48%. It will allow researchers to use embryos left over from fertility treatments for scientific research. Remaining embryos would otherwise be classified as medical waste and thrown away, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Proponents of the amendment, headed by the bipartisan group Cure Michigan argue that new advances in embryonic stem cell research have potential to create new cures for a variety of diseases, according to the Free Press.
Sean Morrison, Director of the University of Michigan’s Center for Stem Cell Biology told Mlive, “This is a great day for the state of Michigan…This is going to mean a lot for the development of the life sciences sector in this state.”
