Granholm Working to Open Door to Life-Saving Research

Granholm Working to Open Door to Life-Saving Research

Hello, this is Governor Jennifer Granholm.

The voices of doctors, patients, families and researchers were heard loud and clear this week in Michigan.

At a town hall sponsored by the nationally-recognized Genetic Policy Institute and Michigan Citizens for Stem Cell Research and Cures, their voices joined the chorus of voices all saying the same thing - stem cell research holds the potential for life-saving treatments and cures for a multitude of diseases and injuries if we would just unlock the door.

In Michigan, that life-saving research is blocked by decades-old restrictions which were placed on embryonic stem cell research before scientists really understood its amazing potential.

In my State of the State Address I called on state lawmakers to lift these restrictions for good reason.

Studying stem cells helps scientists better understand the process that creates the specialized cells that make us who and what we are. Some of the most serious medical conditions, such as cancer and birth defects, occur during that process. Stem cell research can help scientists pinpoint what goes wrong and point the way to prevention and cures.

There are currently two bills in the Michigan Legislature that would open the doors to this life saving research.

Not only would stem cell research potentially save lives and prevent disease, it could also attract millions of dollars of investment in life sciences businesses and jobs to Michigan.

Stem cell research holds the power to improve the lives of thousands of Michiganians.

The men, women and children who suffer from conditions for which there is currently no treatment or cure deserve our help. So do the families and friends who care for them.

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali understands the powerful potential of stem cell research.

Muhammad Ali has Parkinson's disease, which is a brain disorder for which the cause and cure are unknown. He and his wife Lonnie have been tireless advocates for stem cell research, testifying in front of Congress about the need for funding and research. Recently, the Alis signed my online petition urging the Michigan Legislature to act.

If you agree with me, and Muhammad Ali … and the more than 70 percent of the American people and many of this country's top scientists then sign my online petition asking the Michigan Legislature to open the doors to medical research by passing the bills to lift the restrictions. The petition is located at www.michigan.gov

Thank you for listening.

http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-23442_21974-155039--,00.html