Topeka — A bill pushed by abortion opponents that would require the Kansas University Medical Center to establish a center that focuses on adult stem cells has been filed in the Legislature.

Senate Bill 199 would create the Midwest Stem Cell Therapy Center.

The measure is authored by 22 conservative Republican senators, including Senate President Susan Wagle of Wichita, Majority Leader Terry Bruce of Hutchinson, and Public Health and Welfare Chair Mary Pilcher-Cook of Shawnee.

A hearing on the bill will probably be held later this month.

Under the proposal, KU would appoint a director of the center who would be responsible for oversight of patient treatment and research with adult, cord blood and other non-embryonic stem cells. Abortion opponents oppose human embryonic stem cell research because it involves the destruction of the embryo.

The director could solicit grants, gifts and contributions. The bill also sets up a 13-member advisory board.