Clinton boosts Mich. stem-cell referendum

WATERFORD, Mich., Oct. 11 (UPI) -- Former President Bill Clinton has urged Michigan voters to approve a referendum legalizing embryonic stem-cell research when they go to the polls Nov. 4.

In making his pitch in favor of Proposal 2 Friday at the Oakland County International Airport, Clinton called the measure "pro-life, pro-health, pro-science and definitely pro-Michigan," the Detroit Free Press reported Saturday.

Proposal 2 would allow Michigan residents to donate excess embryos from fertility treatments to scientists, who would use them to create embryonic stem-cell lines for disease research. It's now a felony to do such research, the newspaper noted.

"It's not a fight between Republicans and Democrats, not a fight between the Left and the Right, and it's certainly not a fight between pro-life and pro-choice," said Clinton.

Embryonic stem-cell research is opposed by some on religious grounds, and some oppose Michigan's proposal, saying it wouldn't provide oversight.

President George W. Bush invoked restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem-cell research in 2001 and efforts by Congress to override him have fallen short.

John McCain and Barack Obama, the two major-party presidential candidates, have indicated they would allow the research to resume, the Free Press said.