AUGUSTA – Bishop Richard Malone is calling on Maine’s Roman Catholics to join him in opposition to legislation that would provide funding for stem cell research and abortions. Malone drew attention to the bills in a letter read at Masses during the weekend.

Two bills call for funding for embryonic stem cell research, and another seeks abortion funding for women who can’t afford them.

In his letter, Malone said the bills involve “the deliberate taking of human life” at its most vulnerable stage.

Rep. Don Pilon, D-Saco, sponsor of a bill calling for a $20 million bond issue to expand research, establish an umbilical cord blood bank and provide grants to develop them, said stem cell research represents an economic niche for Maine and can lead to cures for human diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.