Why does the Catholic Church oppose stem cell research?
The Catholic Church has opposed human embryonic stem cell research and any kind of human cloning because they are contrary to the dignity of procreation, of conjugal union and of human embryos.
What is the designated topics of stem cell research?
A myriad of basic research is underway worldwide on both embryonic and non-embryonic stem cells derived from a number of sources. This research encompasses treatment of various disorders including organ regeneration, cardiovascular improvements, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions.
What is your view on stem cell research?
Scientists largely agree that stem cells may hold a key to the treatment, and even cure, of many serious medical conditions. But while the use of adult stem cells is widely accepted, many religious groups and others oppose stem cell research involving the use and destruction of human embryos.
What is the argument against stem cell research?
Some opponents of stem cell research argue that it offends human dignity or harms or destroys human life. Proponents argue that easing suffering and disease promotes human dignity and happiness, and that destroying a blastocyst is not the same as taking a human life.
What does Christianity say about stem cells?
Because of this position, the Catholic Church opposes research involving human embryonic stem cells, which require the destruction of the human embryo during their isolation. In contrast, the Church has championed adult stem cell research, which does not involve human embryonic stem cells.
Do inflated promises about stem cell benefits harm public support for research?
Inflated promises about stem cell benefits can harm vulnerable people and can harm the research endeavor, as well. When members of the public realize that much work remains before effective therapies can be devised, their support for stem cell studies may diminish.
What is the future of stem cell research?
Stem cell research could generate knowledge that would allow certain individuals to live longer and better lives. It would be a happy event if in the future stem cell research produced relief for at least some individuals with illnesses or injuries not curable at present. Yet there are no guarantees that this happy future will materialize.
Is stem cell research a social justice issue?
In stem cell research, as in other research areas, the relative value and likely cost of any potential therapeutic benefits should be part of the decision making about research priorities. A second matter of social justice concerns the relative priority of research needs and health care needs.
What are some of the best books on stem cell politics?
Annals G, Kaplan A, Elias S. Stem Cell Politics, Ethics, and Moral Progress. Nature Medicine. 1999;5(no. 12):1339–1341. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] 64. Schleicher A, Retting R. Funding Priorities for Medical Research. JAMA. 2002;288(no. 7):832. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] 65. Kiss L. Foreword.