US: Ron Reagan, son of the late president Ronald Reagan, told the Democratic National Convention that voters in November faced a choice between "true compassion and mere ideology" on the matter of embryonic stem cell research, writes Conor O'Clery in Boston
Although he took the podium to promote stem cell research in a "non-partisan" manner, his call amounted to support for Democratic candidate Mr John Kerry as Mr Bush has ordered sharp restrictions on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.
Reagan, a radio journalist, became an advocate of stem cell research after his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, which scientists believe could be combated by stem cell research.
Ms Nancy Reagan, wife of the late Republican president, who died last month aged 93, also supports the cause, and reportedly approved Ron Reagan's decision to address the Democratic convention.
The research was producing perhaps "the greatest medical breakthrough in our or in any lifetime: the use of embryonic stem cells - cells created using the material of our own bodies - to cure a wide range of fatal and debilitating illnesses: Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, lymphoma, spinal cord injuries, and much more", Reagan said in a speech on Tuesday night.
He urged delegates to imagine that 10 years from now they were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, for which there was currently no cure.
"Now, imagine going to a doctor who, instead of prescribing drugs, takes a few skin cells from your arm. The nucleus of one of your cells is placed into a donor egg whose own nucleus has been removed.
"A hit of chemical or electrical stimulation will encourage your cell's nucleus to begin dividing, creating new cells which will then be placed into a tissue culture. Those cells will generate embryonic stem cells containing only your DNA, thereby eliminating the risk of tissue rejection.
"These stem cells are then driven to become the very neural cells that are defective in Parkinson's patients.
And, finally, those cells - with your DNA - are injected into your brain, where they will replace the faulty cells whose failure to produce adequate dopamine led to the Parkinson's disease in the first place. In other words, you're cured."
He emphasised the embryonic stem cells could replicate indefinitely to recreate virtually any tissue in your body.
He added that no foetal tissue was involved, and no foetuses created or destroyed, but said there were some who stood in the way of this remarkable future and deny crucial federal funding.
"They argue that interfering with the development of even the earliest stage embryo, even one that will never be implanted in a womb and will never develop into an actual foetus, is tantamount to murder.
"A few of these folks, needless to say, are just grinding a political axe, and they should he ashamed of themselves. But many are well-meaning and sincere. Their belief is just that, an article of faith, and they are entitled to it."
To loud applause, he added: "But it does not follow that the theology of a few should be allowed to forestall the health and well-being of the many.
"In a few months we will face a choice between two candidates. We can choose between the future and the past, between reason and ignorance, between true compassion and mere ideology. This is our moment, and we must not falter. Whatever else you do come November 2nd, I urge you, please, cast a vote for embryonic stem cell research."