Editorial Criticizes Mich. Lawmakers' Attempts To Restrict Stem Cell Research Using Donated Embryo

Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Article Date: 21 Dec 2009 - 0:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

"A year after Michigan voters approved the broader use of donated embryos for stem cell research, some state legislators are seeking to put limits on the science," a Detroit News editorial says. The editorial continues, "It's instructive that this legislative effort is led by opponents of embryonic stem cell research," adding, "While limited state regulation may not be out of line, the rules proposed in these bills threaten to undo Michigan's progress in a developing field of scientific inquiry that could lead to treatment or cures for some of our most profound disorders."

According to the editorial, legislation in the state Senate would require "scientists, before using an embryo for experimentation, to determine if it is unlikely the embryo could successfully be implanted in a womb." It notes that University of Michigan embryologist Gary Smith "testified that it isn't possible to predict the probability of successful implantation in the way required by the legislation." The legislation also would "require that researchers file annual reports with the Michigan Department of Community Health about the number of embryos they receive, source of each, the number used in research, number discarded without being used and the number retained in storage," the editorial says. It asks, "What would be the benefit of this government involvement?"

The editorial also notes that the proposed regulations would be added to existing federal rules and the field's own self-imposed ethical standards. It concludes, "Lawmakers should respect the voters' wishes and not try to thwart them through burdensome rule-making" (Detroit News, 12/16).

Reprinted with kind permission from http://www.nationalpartnership.org. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families, published by The Advisory Board Company.

© 2009 The Advisory Board Company. All rights reserved.

• Additional
• References
• Citations