University of Michigan Stem Cell Research | Frequently …

Frequently Asked Questions Michigan Law and President Obamas Executive Order Embryonic, Adult, and IPS (induced Pluripotent) Stem Cells Benefits of Stem Cell Research Embryo and Fetus Definitions Cloning Public Opinions Ethics Federally Approved Stem Cell Lines Stem Cells: Myth Vs. Fact

On Nov. 4, 2008, Michigan voters approved Proposal 2 by a margin of 53 percent to 47 percent. The ballot measure amended the state constitution, overturning a 1978 Michigan law that prohibited the use of human embryos for research, even if those embryos were to be discarded.

The law change enables Michigan researchers to derive new embryonic stem lines, using procedures already employed in laboratories around the world. The new state law allows the use of human embryos for research that is already permitted under federal law, provided that the embryos:

The new law makes Michigan one of just three states that protect stem cell research in the state constitution, while also enshrining specific restrictions. In addition to the restrictions listed above, the new law prohibits the buying or selling of embryos, as well as removing stem cells from embryos more than 14 days after cell division begins. It also requires the informed, written consent of embryo donors.

Michigans ban on human cloning was not altered by Proposal 2 and remains in full effect.

All human embryonic stem cell research at the University of Michigan will fully conform to the provisions of the new state constitutional amendment. In addition, U-M scientists will strictly adhere to the guidelines for the conduct of human embryonic stem cell research issued by the International Society for Stem Cell Research.

All stem cell research involving human subjects, including research in which embryos are donated for the derivation of stem cell lines, must be reviewed and approved by the University of Michigans Institutional Review Board. The board is a committee of ethicists, physicians, scientists and attorneys who review all aspects of the proposed research to ensure that is beneficial and ethically conducted.

All stem cell research must also be reviewed by the U-M Pluripotent Stem Cell Research Oversight Committee to independently ensure that all stem cell research projects are performed ethically.

On March 9, 2009, President Obama signed an executive order lifting the Bush administrations strict limits on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. As a result, the federal government is expected to invest millions of dollars in new embryonic stem cell research.

Read the original:
University of Michigan Stem Cell Research | Frequently ...