This November Michigan will be voting on if we should or should not to allow stem cell research in the state of Michigan. This proposal is Proposal 2, and if you live in this state you have probably seen the commercial saying that it is too expensive and we don’t need it. I have to disagree being someone with diabetes that could get a cure from this, also being someone who a few years ago lost her father to cancer and have friends who are also diabetic who could benefit from this.

I know I will probably get a bunch of comments on how “diabetes is curable”, or “I lost weight and my diabetes was gone!” I hate to say it, but just because you lost weight, are off medications and your sugars are normal does not mean that you are not still a diabetic. You are, it’s just under control. Now if we continue looking into the stem cell research then we may be able to cure it. Not just control it.

Cancer and other horrible diseases could be cured by stem cell research also. There are so many benefits to supporting this research.

Below is the proposal

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.

Now many would say that adult stem cells are better or they don’t think it’s right for us to use embryos even if they are to be thrown out. The fact is right now they are, why waste them when they can be used to help research. People who vote no on this are saying that my life or my friends lives are worthless compared to an embryo that will never amount to anything. That I think is just wrong. Oh and as for the price, the ad you see on TV is wrong: (taken from MLive.com)

ANALYSIS: This ad says the ballot proposal to loosen Michigan’s restrictions on embryonic stem cell research “is too costly to Michigan taxpayers.” But there’s nothing in the proposal itself that results in government funding or higher taxes for the research.

Michigan Citizens Against Unrestricted Science and Experimentation acknowledged that in an interview Tuesday. But a group spokesman says public funding would be the next step if voters approve the proposal.

Some of the proposal’s supporters back public funding of research, although that’s not part of the measure going before voters in November. Proposal 2 supporters say approving the measure could clear the way for state researchers to receive federal money for embryonic stem cell research if the next president reverses limitations instituted by President Bush.

Voters in other states have been asked to support public funding for stem cell research, but not in Michigan.

New Jersey voters rejected a funding proposal last year. California voters approved a measure in 2004.

To me this sounds like we could eventually vote to allow public funding for this, but for now their will not be. I’m okay with that, I’m even okay with paying some in taxes, why? Well If I don’t get insurance in January I will be paying $300 a month for medication, along with $300 for food as healthy food is expensive and I can’t cut back on it and $300 a month for gas, I make between $300 and $700. Add that together, it doesn’t add up. The only thing I can cut is my medication, which will put me back in the hospital and farther into debt. These diseases do not just make us chronically sick, kill us or hurt our loved ones, they also take all of our money and force us to lose homes, jobs, and more. A cure would save many people millions of dollars and help them to live a better life.

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