LANSING – A group hoping to amend the Michigan Constitution to allow embryonic stem cell research in the state provided itself a substantial buffer in filing 570,016 signatures toward a spot on the November ballot.

That filing launched the voter campaigns for both sides, as opponents did not expect to be able to disqualify enough signatures to bring the total below the 380,126 required.

Proponents dubbed their effort the CureMichigan campaign, arguing the proposal would open up the state for new research into cures for cancer, Parkinson’s, juvenile diabetes, spinal cord injuries and Alzheimer’s and other diseases using embryonic stem cells left over from fertility clinics.

“The results of this petition drive are clear: Michigan voters understand that embryonic stem cell research offers real hope for finding cures for countless patients,” said Larry Owen, chair of the Stem Cell Research Ballot Question Committee Board. “This November, Michigan voters can help open the doors to cures that can save lives.”

Supporters said the proposal would not allow the cells to be used for cloning and would hold researchers to ethical projects.

Michigan Citizens Against Unrestricted Science and Experimentation, backed largely by the Michigan Catholic Conference and Right to Life of Michigan, argued the proposal was too broad and would, with enabling legislation, allow for human cloning.

“The proposal states that nothing shall be interpreted to alter or abrogate the current law banning cloning,” said MICAUSE spokesperson David Doyle. “However, bills have already been introduced in the Michigan legislature to allow for human cloning. This proposal will permit the legalization of cloning.”

Even with the current regulation on cloning, the proposal would allow otherwise unrestricted experimentation on human embryos, Doyle said.

Opponents readied Monday to launch their campaign, not expecting to be able to knock down the petition signatures. “We’re going to glance at the signatures, but we know that they were paid for and they were done by a good firm,” said Donna Halinski, MICAUSE spokesperson.

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