Why Should the U of M Support Stem Cell Research?
Stem cell research, including embryo and adult stem cell research, should be done in public, federally funded institutions, such as the University of Minnesota. In these institutions, the public and policymakers can be assured effective and thorough oversight of the research. At a public institution, the public also is guaranteed equal and unfettered access to research findings and can participate in the ethical, legal, and social debate about the appropriateness of this research. With or without federal funding, oversight, and regulation, stem cell research will move forward in private, unregulated research institutions without public access to the knowledge and processes.