University of Nebraska Medical Center scientists should be allowed to pursue expanded embryonic stem cell research as state and federal law permit, NU President J.B. Milliken said Friday.

The NU Board of Regents, Milliken said, should maintain its policy that says medical center scientists must abide by federal guidelines.

Should regents accept Milliken's recommendation when they render a decision next month, those scientists would have a chance to work with new embryonic stem cell lines approved for study under President Barack Obama.

That opportunity, Milliken said, is the right thing for NU and Nebraska.

"Embryonic stem cell research holds enormous promise, and if the University of Nebraska is to be a leading research university, it should be appropriately engaged in this research," he said.

"I believe to do otherwise would unnecessarily limit the opportunities for discoveries to save and improve lives. In my view, it would also risk great harm to the reputation of the university and damage our ability to recruit and retain outstanding research and clinical faculty."

Milliken's comments --which were quickly followed by endorsements from UNMC Chancellor Harold Maurer and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman -- came after more than an hour of public testimony on the controversial subject Friday.

More than 20 people appeared before regents. Half urged the board to allow expanded embryonic stem cell research. Half said regents should revisit their policy to ensure UNMC scientists don't go further with research than they did under former President George W. Bush.

Called to action by Nebraska Right to Life, a small crowd picketed outside the meeting in a public show of opposition to expansion of the research.

"We are pro-research," said Denny Hartford of Vital Signs Ministries in Omaha, who came to Lincoln with his wife, Claire.

"We just want research done that doesn't contribute to the erosion of the sanctity of human life."

There are methods besides embryonic stem cell research by which scientists could seek cures, said Gina Bose, 14, one of many Scotus Central Catholic High School students who picketed.

"It's not right to kill one human being to save another human being," she said.

They and other opponents find the research morally objectionable because harvesting embryonic stem cells requires destroying embryos.

Supporters believe the research could lead to treatments for such diseases as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and diabetes. They also note state law already forbids the creation and destruction of embryos at will.

Any embryonic stem cells medical center scientists would gain access to, should the policy change, would come from embryos left over from fertility treatments. Such embryos generally are thrown out.

Richard Holland, a prominent Omaha philanthropist and chairman of the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures, said during his testimony it's critical regents allow "fundamental research to flourish."

"(NU) is a public university open to all, and all knowledge," Holland said.

"It's a place of learning, not indoctrination."

Researchers don't know which type of cell might lead to a breakthrough, said Lawrence S.B. Goldstein, a California scientist brought to Nebraska by the coalition.

Opponents countered the university should set its sights on research that doesn't divide Nebraskans -- for example, research on noncontroversial adult stem cells.

"Progress, success, breakthroughs are possible under the guidelines that we advocate," said Chip Maxwell, executive director of the Nebraska Coalition for Ethical Research.

Added Greg Schleppenbach of the Nebraska Catholic Conference: "I know you want to do what's best for the university, and hurrah for that."

"But I remind you that this university belongs to the people of Nebraska, and the people of Nebraska have put on this board five regents who love research but are on record opposing research that involves the destruction of embryos."

Those five regents -- Tim Clare and Jim McClurg of Lincoln, Randy Ferlic and Howard Hawks of Omaha and Bob Phares of North Platte -- have the support of Nebraska Right to Life and have been called on to vote accordingly.

Still, what the eight-member board will decide next month remains to be seen. No regent weighed in publicly with an opinion on Friday.

Regents' options, as Milliken defined them.

• Do nothing, leaving the policy intact and thus allowing expanded embryonic stem cell research.

• Adopt a resolution affirming support for the current policy.

• Revise the policy to restrict research to only embryonic stem cell lines approved under Bush.

Milliken, while acknowledging regents likely will disappoint some people no matter what they decide, said a decision must be made soon so faculty, students and the public have a clear understanding of NU's policy.

Milliken's support cheered advocates of embryonic stem cell research, several of whom teared up as they recounted struggles they or loved ones have endured because of chronic diseases.

Rik Bonness of Omaha, whose two sons have Type I diabetes, battled emotions as he told regents his older son Eric, 25, has dealt with 38,000 finger pokes, tens of thousands of insulin shots and constant worry about retina or nerve damage.

Eric Bonness, a UNMC student, also got emotional as he recalled the day he was diagnosed.

Milliken's support, the younger Bonness said, "is huge for our cause.

"That's what we came to hear."

Reach Melissa Lee at 473-2682 or mlee@journalstar.com.