Fellow Wayne State University students, we have an enormous opportunity this Nov. 4. People between the ages of 18 and 25 have a chance like never before in our nation’s history to change the course of our foreign policy, economic growth and medical science.
The past eight years have been rough on most citizens in every state, but the lack of prosperity both economically and politically in our country has hit Michigan especially hard. According to our state government, Michigan currently has a deficit of nearly $2 billion, and we have lost well over 300,000 jobs since 2000.
Of course, the striking number of job losses is a main contributor to the deficit, since the state loses revenue from both income tax and sales tax. So where, you ask, is some relief from our financial woes?
A good start to reversing our fortunes is to say “yes” to Proposal 2 on the national ballot next month. Proposal 2 is a proposal to amend the state constitution “to address human embryo and human embryonic stem cell research in Michigan.” Specifically, the proposal could allow Michiganders access to stem cell therapies and cures, while also lifting restrictions on physicians and scientists by allowing them to conduct promising and vital medical research on human embryos.
Stem cells are the foundation of all tissue in the human body. They aid in repairing and recuperating the body and can develop into heart, brain, nerve or skin cells. Many top scientists agree that studying embryonic stem cells could lead to effective and innovative new drugs, greater understanding of disease development and birth defects, and, most incredible of all, possible treatments for often fatal diseases such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, Parkinson’s and spinal-cord injuries. These diseases affect millions of Americans every year.
Up to 80 percent of all cases of the diseases listed above are preventable. Since the United States spent an astounding $2.26 trillion on health care in 2007, it’s easy to see how stem cell research could be a major factor in rebounding the national economy and, ultimately, state economies.
“(Stem cell research) can provide a major economic stimulus to Michigan’s lagging economy. A conservative estimate says that it would add 8,000 news jobs and $490 million to payrolls throughout the state,” said Dr. John Schwarz, a former U.S. congressman and Michigan legislator.
Proposal 2 comes with four major requirements.
First, no stem cells may be taken from a human embryo more than 14 days after cell division begins.
Second, the embryos in question must have been created for the purpose of fertility treatment and donated after informed consent by the donor. This means, essentially, that embryos would only be used if they could not be used in clinical treatment and would otherwise be disposed of.
Third, no one may purchase or sell embryos for monetary gain.
Finally, all stem cell research and therapy must be practiced according to state and federal law and, of course, in consideration of patient safety and privacy. This final requirement would also prohibit laws preventing, restricting or discouraging stem cell research and therapy.
From an economic standpoint and from an ethical standpoint, stem cell research is Michigan’s chance to take a big step into the future.
In the official wording of the proposal, “Should this proposal be adopted?”
Absolutely.
Be the first to comment on this article!