Stem Cell Research and Catholic Teaching

An embryonic stem cell

For those who want to understand the discussion around the recent news on embryonic stem cell research...

This New York Times piece gives a good summary of what Barack Obama's executive order does and does not do with regard to embryonic stem cell research. Here's a useful Pew forum summary of the position taken by major religious groups on this issue.

Links to articles and information on this question from the Catholic perspective are provided by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Understanding the Catholic position on embryonic stem cell research requires understanding Catholic teaching on what constitutes a moral act and, in particular, understanding the principle that the end does not justify the means. For a summary of Church teaching on this matter in general, see this section of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

And here follows the statement of Cardinal Justin Rigali, chair of the US Bishops Pro-Life Committee, issued in response to Obama's order:

President Obama's new executive order on embryonic stem cell research is a sad victory of politics over science and ethics. This action is morally wrong because it encourages the destruction of innocent human life, treating vulnerable human beings as mere products to be harvested. It also disregards the values of millions of American taxpayers who oppose research that requires taking human life. Finally, it ignores the fact that ethically sound means for advancing stem cell science and medical treatments are readily available and in need of increased support.

In his January 16th letter to President-elect Obama, Cardinal George, writing as President of the USCCB, cited three reasons why such destructive research is 'especially pointless at this time':

• First, basic research in the capabilities of embryonic stem cells can be and is being pursued using the currently eligible cell lines as well as the hundreds of lines produced with nonfederal funds since 2001.

• Second, recent startling advances in reprogramming adult cells into embryonic-like stem cells – hailed by the journal Science as the scientific breakthrough of the year – are said by many scientists to be making embryonic stem cells irrelevant to medical progress.

• Third, adult and cord blood stem cells are now known to have great versatility, and are increasingly being used to reverse serious illnesses and even help rebuild damaged organs. To divert scarce funds away from these promising avenues for research and treatment toward the avenue that is most morally controversial as well as most medically speculative would be a sad victory of politics over science.

If the government wants to invest in hope for cures and promote ethically sound science, it should use our tax monies for research that everyone, at every stage of human development, can live with.

-ConcordPastor