For Travis Roy, the debate over stem cell research is all about time - specifically, how much more time he'll spend confined to a wheelchair.

The former Boston University hockey player, paralyzed during his first game as a Terrier eight years ago, said he respects and understands the opponents fighting the use of embryonic stem cells in research. Yet he can't agree with them.

"The bottom line for me is that stem cell research is going to lead to a cure for me and for people with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, all sorts of neurological diseases . . . The decision being made on this issue will determine whether I'm in this wheelchair years longer than I could be," he said. "I sure as heck want to get out as soon as possible and this research is going to help me do that."

Roy, 28, led dozens of people in testifying at the State House in support yesterday of legislative efforts to allow embryonic stem cell research in Massachusetts.

A bill sponsored by Sen. Cynthia S. Creem (D-Newton) would make Massachusetts the second state - California was the first - to allow the controversial research but ban any attempt to clone human beings.

But opponents who liken research on embryonic cells to the pseudo-science of the Nazis argue there is no justification or benefit worth sacrificing what they deem a life equal to that of a fully formed human being.

"While proponents of embryonic stem cell research may tug on our emotional heartstrings, we must always remember . . . it is never appropriate to deliberately sacrifice the life of one individual to save another," said Dr. Mary Tranter.

Appeared in Boston Herald

May 2, 2003