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Kim Kozlowski / The Detroit News
May 4, 2008
After five years of supporting embryonic stem cell
research, the Michigan State Medical Society changed its policy Sunday to a
neutral position on the controversial issue that may appear on the November
ballot.
The doctors' neutral stance was among three potential health-related election
issues that did not get endorsed or opposed by the state's largest medical group
at its annual delegates meeting. Activists are collecting signatures for
creating universal health care and and loosening strict state laws on embryonic
stem cell research to put before voters in November. And proponents of
legalizing medical marijuana already have turned in more than enough signatures
to place the issue on the ballot.
The Michigan Medical Society recognized the campaign for universal health care
but did not endorse the effort currently being proposed to require lawmakers to
come up with a solution to the state's one million uninsured residents.
The physicians also supported the use of the chemicals in marijuana for medical
use by routes other than smoking but decided not to support the proposed ballot
initiative that would make Michigan the 13th state to legalize medical marijuana
use.
In its most heated discussion, the doctors abandoned its policy supporting the
expansion of embryonic stem cell research that's been in place since 2003, take
a neutral position and provide the membership with definitions, research studies
and ethical considerations in educational settings over the next year.
Scientists want to study embryonic stem cells derived from leftover embryos
created in fertility clinics, and usually thrown away, for potential therapies
and cures for people suffering from incurable diseases. Opponents say the
research destroys human life.
Donald Condit, a Grand Rapids physician, proposed to change the organization's
stance to oppose the research but agreed to the consensus.
"It maintains harmony among the Michigan State Medical Society where people of
good will disagree on this issue," said Condit. "I would have preferred a
stronger stance but I'm very happy the consensus preserves the diversity among
Michigan physicians."
Cheryl Farmer, an Ann Arbor physican, is pleased the change included educational
forums for the group over the next year because her support of embryonic stem
research was formed after understanding the science behind it. Though Farmer is
opposed to invitro fertilization, the technology responsible for creating
leftover fertilized eggs, she supports using the leftover fertilized eggs for
research instead of discarding them.
"If I were the potential life in the petri dish and I had a choice between
possibly becoming part of a wonderful new therapy that would save lives or be
flushed down the toilet, it would be an easy choice for me: Help someone else,"
Farmer said.
The Michigan Medical Society has a mixed history of taking stands on
controversial issues. Though it does not take a stand on abortion, it supports
the availability of the morning-after pill. It went on record for opposing
physician-assisted suicide when that was a ballot issue in the mid 1990s.
It currently supports legislative efforts to make Michigan a smoke-free state.
"The nice part about being a pessimist is that you are constantly being either proven right or pleasantly surprised." George F. Will
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