(AP) -- LANSING, Mich. - A divided Michigan Senate panel has approved bills that embryonic stem cell researchers say would inhibit their work.
The bills approved Wednesday by the Senate Health Policy Committee now advance to the Republican-led Senate, where they face an uncertain future.
The legislation is the first attempt by Michigan lawmakers to add details to a constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2008.
Opponents say the new legislation has restrictive definitions that would dramatically cut down on the type of embryos that could be used in research.
The measures are supported by Right to Life of Michigan and the Michigan Catholic Conference.
Democratic Sen. John Gleason of Flushing joined Republicans in supporting most of the six bills that passed the committee. Other Democrats opposed the bills.
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