Cardinal Reacts to Obama's Stem Cell Decision
Cardinal Justin Rigali, chair of U.S. bishops' conference pro-life committee, has denounced President Obama's executive order to allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.
In a written response, Cardinal Rigali said, "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."
I wonder if the Diocese of Rochester and/or Bishop Matthew Clark will issue some response?
UPDATE: Bishop Clark did indeed respond, issuing a written statement.
"Since we believe that human life begins at conception, we also believe that the destruction of embryos — which are innocent human life — for such research is morally wrong. Instead, we encourage ongoing research on the use of adult stem cells, which has shown great promise and potential in medical treatment."
In a written response, Cardinal Rigali said, "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."
I wonder if the Diocese of Rochester and/or Bishop Matthew Clark will issue some response?
UPDATE: Bishop Clark did indeed respond, issuing a written statement.
"Since we believe that human life begins at conception, we also believe that the destruction of embryos — which are innocent human life — for such research is morally wrong. Instead, we encourage ongoing research on the use of adult stem cells, which has shown great promise and potential in medical treatment."
posted by A Secular Franciscan | 8:59 PM
5 Comments:
I am so mystified! How do they NOT get it? Must pray HARDER for the Holy spirit to LIFT THE VEIL OF IGNORANCE from all these "brilliant" (certainly not wise) minds! Cathy
Why do people look at this as a destruction of human lives? I don't quite understand that. It's scientifically proved that the embryo is not fully human. It is a great opportunity for scientist to finally find a cure for Alzheimer for example. But I guess the religious critics are OK with the fact that millions of people die of this disease. Well done Mr. Obama, great decision and not an easy one.
Take care, Julie
Toronto Reader - I'm afraid you are misinformed.
It is scientifically proven that and embryo IS fully human - just as a newborn is, a quadraplegic is, a senior in a wheelchair is. The embryo may have not developed yet in some ways physically, but genetically the child is human. That is beyond dispute.
As for stem cell research, it has been going on without government funding, and it is adult stem cell research, not embryonic research, that is producing results.
Your claim about pro-lifers not caring about lost lives is simply not true - and a stereotype. We battle for the lives of a million unborn children killed in the U.S. each year. 40 milion since Roe. We offer shelter and support for the women who are in troubled pregnancies. If you include all the support and services the Catholic Church offers, millions of lives are affected and improved - and many are saved.
I hope you will look a little more carefully into the issue.
It may be fully human, but the statement that it's fully alive is a faith statement, not a fact.
It is fully alive - that's a fact statement based on science, not faith.
Post a Comment
<< Home