Papa Benedetto on Stem-Cell Research

On 16 Sept 2006 the Pope addressed a symposium on the theme "Stem cells: what future for therapy?" that was organized by the Pontifical Academy for Life. In it he gives an excellent summary of what is acceptable stem cell research. He makes it clear that the Church does not forbid all stem cell research. It is only opposed to "those forms of research that provide for the planned suppression of human beings who already exist, even if they have not yet been born."

He goes on to say: "Research, in such cases, irrespective of efficacious therapeutic results is not truly at the service of humanity.

In fact, this research advances through the suppression of human lives that are equal in dignity to the lives of other human individuals and the lives of the researchers themselves."

He goes on to remind us: "History itself has condemned such a science in the past and will condemn it in the future, not only because it lacks the light of God but also because it lacks humanity. " In other words embryonic stem-cell research is no more acceptable that the research the Nazis did on their prisoners in WW II.

"A good result can never justify intrinsically unlawful means. It is not only a matter of a healthy criterion for the use of limited financial resources, but also, and above all, of respect for the fundamental human rights in the area of scientific research itself. "

So when is stem-cell research acceptable. He says: "In this light, somatic stem-cell research also deserves approval and encouragement when it felicitously combines scientific knowledge, the most advanced technology in the biological field and ethics that postulate respect for the human being at every stage of his or her existence." When done ethicly it aligns with the Church's "constant support for research dedicated to the cure of diseases and to the good of humanity throughout her 2,000-year-old history." " The good of human beings should not only be sought in universally valid goals, but also in the methods used to achieve them. "

At 1 point in the talk the Pope gives these words of enouragement to those there who are involved in adult stem-cell research: "The fact that you at this Congress have expressed your commitment and hope to achieve new therapeutic results from the use of cells of the adult body without recourse to the suppression of newly conceived human beings, and the fact that your work is being rewarded by results, are confirmation of the validity of the Church's constant invitation to full respect for the human being from conception"

He concludes with the following: "I hope that God will grant your efforts -- which are certainly sustained by God who acts in every person of good will and for the good of all -- the joy of discovering the truth, wisdom in consideration and respect for every human being, and success in the search for effective remedies to human suffering.

To seal this hope, I cordially impart an affectionate Blessing to all of you, to your collaborators and to your relatives, as well as to the patients who will benefit from your ingenuity and resourcefulness and the results of your work, with the assurance of my special remembrance in prayer."

Stem-cell research is 1 of the top issues of this election yr. Make no mistake, we are at a crossroads. We can go down the same road the Nazis did. Or we can make the right choices. We can vote for candidates who will support the right kinds of research, those who will also oppose abortion. We need to learn where the candidates stand & speak with our votes for right.

The other day I watched the debate between the 2 candidates running for the governor's office here in Iowa. The stem-cell issue came up. Nussle, who is pro-life, pointed out the successes with adult stem-cell research that have lead to useful treatments. & made it clear that he was opposed to embryonic stem-cell research because of the taking of innocent lives involved. (It was all I could do tokeep from cheering out loud & disturbing others when he said this.) Culver, who supports unlimited abortions, ignored the successes in adult stem-cell treatments & could only repeat the old, tired, empty, nebulous at best. promise that by not allowing embryonic stem-cell research we we denying people hope for cures. That is all those supporting embryonic stem-cell research have to offer, empty promises. They discourage adult stem-cell research, find ways to keep it from being funded & then try & make it sound like those who oppose embryonic (or fetal) stem-cell research as being against all stem-cell research. To hear them talk embryonic stem-cell research is the only type there is.

Clearly, you can guess who I am voting for. The 1 who has made it clear he doesn't mind being "extreme when it comes to defending life." (Note: this is 1 of those situations where he is the better choice even if he isn't absolutely perfect. Nussle would allow abortion for the health of the mother. But, since Culver would allow unlimited abortions as well as fetal stem-cell research Nussle is the "candidate likely to do the least harm" as stated on pg 10 of the Voters Guide for Serious Catholics. (embedded PDF or Adobe pop-up)

What the Holy Father said is the truth. There are moral & immoral types of research out there. Too many people refuse to see this. Yet, we still have to keep speaking out, telling the truth. I've said it before. I am not opposed to ethical research, esp if it will help me since I am a diabetic. But, I do not want my health to be at the expense of someone else. & fetal research is at the expense of someone else. It is IMMORAL, no ifs, &s or buts. Speaking out about it may not win any popularity contests. I would rather stand before God & know that I did the right thing than be popular with people, "gain the whole world & lose my very soul." (Matt 16:26, Mark 8:36, Luke 9:25)