Alright, so the title might be a slight stretch, but how many interesting ways are there to bring up Proposal 2? Mary Sue Coleman spoke the other day supporting the proposal and the positive effects it could have for the state of Michigan as well as the University. Some of you may be asking “Wait, Proposal 2? Didn’t we shoot that down two years ago? Are unborn babies looking for affirmative action now?” No, coincidentally enough Proposal 2 on this year’s ballot has been among the most talked about, similar to the affirmative action Proposal 2 in 2006. I apologize to those who care more about medical marijuana (Proposal 1) than stem cell research, your day will come. But let’s take a look at the writing:

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.

So there you have the proposal, it seems the “would be discarded unless used for research” is a pretty clear indicator that this is a case of one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Oh, and that treasure has the potential to save thousands if not millions of lives, just a slight bonus. For those of you against Proposal 2 because you’re pro-life, well, you may want to rethink what that actually means. If you’re still uncomfortable just think of the embryos as organ donors.