BOSTON -- After Gov. Mitt Romney announced he supports stem cell research, but opposes the creation of embryos for the purpose of research, the debate over the issue heated up again Wednesday.

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Kelley Tuthill Reports On Hearing

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NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill reported that Glenn Manguarian came to the Statehouse to plead for research that my someday enable him to walk again.

"Medical research offers hope to many and fear to a few. It has always been that way," he said. "Hope, however, always wins over fear."

Supporters and opponents spent the day testifying on a hearing on a Democratic proposal to allow cloning of embryonic stem cells for research purposes.

"Our bill does allow researchers to create small groups of cells that can serve as a source of replacement tissue for damaged organs or as a cure for life-threatening illnesses," Senate President Sen. Robert Travaglini said.

Representatives from the Catholic Church said that they support adult and umbilical stem cell research, but not embryonic.

"Embryonic stem cells can only be obtained by destroying the human embryo. We all know, apart from any religious teaching, that it is morally wrong to kill another person. Embryo research is experimenting on human life," Catholic Conference spokeswoman Maria Parker said.

The debate also heated u7p on the federal level. Some lawmakers are trying to reverse President George W. Bush' partial ban on funding for the research.

"American people deserve better than this. If we really care about protecting people, we should honor it by unleashing the potential of this research to save lives," Sen. Ted Kennedy said.