Right To Life Researchers Want U-M's Stem Cell Data

LANSING (WWJ) - The University of Michigan would be required to report on its embryonic stem cell research program as part of the state's new higher education budget.

WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick  reports the Michigan Senate will vote this week on legislation that would order the University of Michigan to provide more data on its stem cell research. The House passed the legislation last week; the Senate is set to vote Tuesday.

It's good news for Michigan Right to Life, which says it wants a closer look at what the university is doing.

"(What) They are doing is very controversial research ... some researchers get off into a corner and start doing things and if you are not making sure what it is they are up to then they can get off track ... just kind of a renegade," says Michigan Right To Life lobbyist Ed Rivet.

Cynthia Wilbanks, a U-M vice president for government relations, told the Detroit Free Press the university has worked with lawmakers on the reporting requirement and believed it to be "workable." Wilbanks added the report will include information that is already publicly available, but it will now be packaged in a way that meets the legislature's guidelines.