WASHINGTON -18 June 2008 - 1,042 words
US Bishops condemn embyronic stem cell research
The United States Bishop's Conference has unanimously approved a declaration condemning embryonic stem cell research, during their Spring Meeting held on June 12-14. The declaration, that draws from two speeches given by Benedict XVI and from the encyclical "Evangelium vitae," refers to this kind of investigation as deliberate killing of innocent human beings and condemns the arguments used to justify it.
The Bishops recognize the fact that the
Church appreciates and supports scientific progress, however they
also affirm that, "true service to humanity begins with respect
for each and every human life." And yet, "some researchers,
ethicists, and policy makers claim that we may directly kill innocent
embryonic human beings as if they were mere objects of research,"
and even turn taxpayers into accomplices in such killing through
the use of public funds.
The Bishops address both Catholics and non-Catholics alike, declaring
embryonic stem cell research to be immoral, as it violates natural
law, which is valid for all people regardless of their religion.
The document also responds to the arguments used in justifying
this research. The Bishops mention three fundamental points on
this aspect.
Firstly, they recall the principle that the ends do not justify
the means: "the false assumption that a good end can justify
direct killing has been the source of much evil in our world...the
same ethic that justifies taking some lives to help the patient
with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease today can be used to sacrifice
that very patient tomorrow, if his or her survival is viewed as
disadvantaging other human beings considered more deserving or
productive."
They also confront the claims that it does not involve killing
what is a "complete" human life. The document clearly
states that "from conception onward, is as much a living
member of the human species as any of us." They also mention
the fact that "if fundamental rights such as the right to
life are based on abilities or qualities that can appear or disappear,
grow or diminish, and be greater or lesser in different human
beings, then there are no inherent human rights, no true human
equality, only privileges for the strong." The Bishops also
recall the fact that the country's Declaration of Independence
itself was based upon the principle that all human beings have
been created equal before God, even though some of its signers
did not follow this conviction.
Likewise, the document rejects the argument that it is licit to
use "spare" or "unwanted" embryos for research,
with the excuse that they are going to die anyway. "This
argument is simply invalid. Ultimately each of us will die, but
that gives no one a right to kill us."
The declaration defends the need to remain firm against the embryonic
stem cell research as well, in order to avoid practices such as
cloning and the intents to create hybrids through the combination
of human and animal genetic material.
The Bishops conclude by making an appeal to establish a truly
human society in which scientific research respects the norms
of natural law, respecting the dignity of every human being. They
also encourage research using adult stem cells: "Nature in
fact provides ample resources for pursuing medical progress without
raising
these grave moral concerns. Stem cells from adult tissues and
umbilical cord blood are now known to be much more versatile than
once thought."
In presenting the document, Archbishop of Kansas City Joseph F
Naumann announced that another statement would be issued soon,
"addressed especially to Catholic engaged and married couples
(including those struggling with infertility), to explain the
Church's teaching on reproductive technologies such as 'in vitro'
fertilization."
To see the complete text see: http://www.usccb.org/
© Independent Catholic News 2008
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