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DELAWARE: Castle Urges Stem Cell Research Deal By CANDICE FERRETTE Staff reporter - The News Journal, DE 07/31/2004 Rep. Michael Castle, R-Del, called for public support in his effort to forge a compromise that would allow federal funding for certain embryonic stem cell research. He spoke Thursday to about 170 Wilmington Rotary Club members and guests at the Hotel du Pont. In a bill Castle co-sponsored with Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., only excess embryos created for in vitro fertilization can be used to derive more stem cell lines. These lines enable scientists to conduct research that may help treat Alzheimer's disease, cancer, type 1 diabetes and Parkinson's disease. "Either way, the potential for the development for human life has ended," Castle said, "so why not conduct research to potentially save a life?" Some anti-abortion advocates oppose stem cell research because a human embryo is destroyed in the process of cultivating cells. President Bush has supported federally funded research only on a limited number of embryonic stem cell colonies. Castle's speech occurred two days after Ron Reagan, son of former President Reagan, spoke before the Democratic National Convention in Boston advocating federal funding for broader stem cell research, which puts him at odds with Bush and other Republican leaders. Wilmington neurologist Alan Fink, a guest at the Rotary luncheon, called Castle's compromised stance on stem cell research "very brave," considering his political affiliation. "This research is the soonest best chance," Fink said. Reach Candice Ferrette at 324-2362 or [log in to unmask] SOURCE: The News Journal, DE http://tinyurl.com/4xn6f * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn