While U.S. politicians argue about the morality of stem-cell research, other nations like South Korea are making significant progress in one of the fastest growing areas of biotechnology. But just as a loss of U.S. dominance in the field could result in the forfeiture of top researchers to other countries, the possibility of a regional brain drain arises within U.S. borders. Counting itself as one of the five most restrictive states with respect to stem-cell laws, Michigan runs the risk of missing out on the opportunity to participate in this revolutionary area of life science. Because the state does not permit research that would harm human embryos, researchers in Michigan — including those at the University — can only use stem-cell lines acquired from adults, from the few federally approved lines or from other states. Furthermore, those who undergo in-vitro fertilization, while allowed to order the destruction of leftover embryos, are not allowed to donate them for research. The University is the state’s largest stem-cell research center, but its work is constantly hampered by legislative restrictions and financial constraints. Without a change in state policy, the University will fall behind in stem-cell research, further diminishing any hope of a statewide economic recovery.

California voters have already approved a $3-billion bond for stem-cell research, and Stanford University has wasted no time in recruiting Dr. Michael Clarke, one of the University’s leading cell biologists. This pattern will only continue without a change in policy. The University will find it hard enough to retain its own researchers, much less to work toward attracting additional scientists, if Michigan does not take immediate action.

Current projects at the University have made significant progress toward understanding and curing breast cancer and sickle cell anemia. But the measly $2.2-million grant funding its work is hardly sufficient to take advantage of the full potential of stem-cell research. With high-quality faculty and researchers, the University is only waiting on a loosening of federal and state laws in order to establish its position as a leader in stem-cell research. But so long as congressional debate impedes action, the risk of losing top researchers to other states will only grow; unless state laws change soon, the University will soon fall behind, and, in a field as fast-paced as this one, it will have a hard time recovering.

Many researchers and the dean of the medical school have rightly taken firm stances in support of loosening the state laws. University President Mary Sue Coleman must do the same and use the influence of her office to garner public support for reforming the state laws.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm has taken a peculiar stance on the issue, repeatedly emphasizing the importance of developing Michigan’s life sciences sector over the past few months but then backing off from the more heated issue of stem-cell research. Her current reluctance to promote a change in the state laws threatens not only the University but the entire state as well. If she is serious about reinventing Michigan as a center of life-science industry, Granholm must show strong leadership in order to effectively educate lawmakers and the public about the promise of stem-cell research. Millions of lives could be saved by the medical advances that stem cells may one day bring, and with stakes as high as these, Michigan cannot afford to let its restrictive laws remain as they are.