StemCell Therapy

By Ellen Cogen Lipton

We must continue the fight for regenerative medical research

Regenerative medical research is about hope and potential. It holds the promise for life-saving cures and treatments and could revolutionize medical treatment for hundreds of thousands of people throughout Michigan who are battling debilitating diseases such as Parkinson's and juvenile diabetes. Yet, less than four years after Michigan voters approved such research, factions are continuing to try to thwart this industry that could save and extend countless lives while boosting Michigan's economy.

Michigan voters spoke loud and clear that they support regenerative medical research in 2008 when they approved Proposal 2, which gave families the option to donate for medical research unsuitable or leftover embryos from fertility treatments that would otherwise be unavailable for research.

Last year, we saw just how low opponents of regenerative medical research will go to overturn the will of the people. An amendment was added to a Higher Education Appropriations bill that attempted to prevent life-saving research and derail the industry from taking hold in Michigan. While we defeated this ploy, it should serve as a rallying cry that our work to this important research is far from over.

That's why I'm committed to doing everything I can to keep this research growing in Michigan. Opponents are working against this development at a time when this industry is just beginning to gain momentum.

With our top-notch educational and research facilities, Michigan - Southeast Michigan in particular - is poised to become the epicenter of the emerging life sciences industry, attracting high-tech job providers from around the world. Building on our University Research Corridor and Oakland County's Medical Main Street, we have a great foundation to advance this industry and benefit from thousands of good-paying jobs and millions in investment.

The passage of Proposal 2 and our hosting of the prestigious World Stem Cell Summit sent the message around the world that Michigan is serious about regenerative medical research and is a great place for businesses to locate and grow. Crain's Detroit Business recently listed increasing medical tourism, creating a bio-pharmaceutical research and development hub, and becoming a center for research and medical facilities as one of the six areas Michigan must strengthen.

We have the opportunity to help make great strides in medicine while also creating good-paying jobs. We must stay focused on expanding Michigan's footprint in this growing industry. Together, we can provide hope and progress to hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents and people around the globe whose lives could be improved and potentially saved. To me, that's worth fighting for.

State Representative Ellen Cogen Lipton represents the 27th District (Berkley, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods and part of Oak Park.)

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GUEST OPINION: We must promote regenerative research to save lives

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