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Reeve Laments Limits On Stem Cell Research By Diane C. Lade Staff writer Posted January 18 2004 PALM BEACH · When politics and religion try to dictate to science, sick and dying people lose. This has been actor Christopher Reeve's message since becoming an activist for more aggressive research including use of stem cells, largely banned in the United States because it uses the cells of human embryos. Reeve, speaking to 300 attending a sold-out dinner benefiting the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, said the freedom and respect enjoyed by Israeli scientists have put them in the forefront of treatments for paralysis, while America lags behind. "It's a bitter blow to those of us who look to our government to foster the best biomedical research," said Reeve, who has been highly critical of the Bush administration. Reeve became an advocate after being paralyzed from the neck down in a riding accident in 1995. Reeve's appearance at Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach is part of the Annual Leadership Educational Forum, a major two- day fund-raising event by the American Friends of The Hebrew University. It was one of several Israeli research institutions and hospitals Reeve visited during an eight-day trip to the country last July. Israel is a leader in innovative spinal injury treatment, as well as embryonic stem cell research. Many scientists think stem cells could be key in treating a variety of medical conditions such as paralysis, diabetes and Parkinson's disease. American researchers, however, are prohibited by federal law from obtaining government funding for stem cell work because obtaining the cells results in the death of an embryo. Israel has no such law. Although he also had a stage career and acted with such greats the late Katharine Hepburn, Reeve shot to fame with his square-jawed performance in 1978's Superman. Many still refer to him as "Superman," as he has tirelessly dedicated himself to his recovery and cutting red tape he says binds U.S. medical research. "I have to say that I am inspired by this man," said Beth McCoy, regional director and associate vice president for American Friends. "He's dedicated his life to insisting that something has to begin, that something has to change." Although he was first told his injury was permanent and he probably would never breathe without a ventilator, the actor has pursued cutting-edge surgeries, treatments and exercises. Today, with an experimental electrical device in his diaphragm, he can breathe unassisted for hours, although he had breathing apparatus on Saturday. Reeve spoke clearly, if slowly, struggling a little harder to breathe only after he was almost a half hour into his presentation. Diane C. Lade can be reached at [log in to unmask] or 561-243-6618. SOURCE: South Florida Sun-Sentinel http://tinyurl.com/267nz * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn