ERLC institute rejects research on embryos

By Tom Strode - Nov 15, 2004 - comment

Stem cell research that destroys human embryos is a “barbaric assault on the dignity of humankind” and should be rejected by both the public and private sectors, the ERLC’s Research Institute said in a statement released Oct. 26.

In its 1½-page statement, the Research Institute, which consists of Southern Baptist academicians, ethicists and lawyers, endorsed regenerative medicine using stem cells from non-embryonic sources but condemned embryonic research because of its destructive nature.

“[W]hile affirming the promise this research has for good, we object strongly to the notion that pursuing cures for some ever justifies intentionally destroying other human lives to achieve those cures,” the statement said. “Adult stem cell research provides the opportunity to participate in the potential benefits of regenerative medicine without compromising deeply held beliefs about human life. Human embryonic stem cell research represents a barbaric assault on the dignity of humankind and, therefore, erodes one of the fundamental values that have shaped our civilization.”

Stem cells are the body’s master cells that can develop into other cells and tissues. They are found not only in human embryos but in adult sources, such as bone marrow, umbilical cord blood and placentas. The procurement of stem cells from an adult source does not harm the donor.

A human embryo “is a human life, no matter his or her age, manner of conception (natural conception, in vitro fertilization or cloning) or location (uterus, test tube or Petri dish),” the statement said. “It is incumbent on a just society to protect the lives of these little ones and to search for alternative sources of stem cells.”

The statement also condemned “so-called ‘therapeutic’ cloning” while affirming the moral status of a clone. Research, or “therapeutic,” cloning is a potential source for embryonic stem cells. Cloning does not mean scientists “are able to create a category of human life that is less than a gift of God,” the statement said. “The moral status of a cloned human embryo is the same as a naturally conceived human embryo.”

Not only is cloning inherently immoral, “‘clone and kill’ protocols will erode the public’s revulsion of cloning, lead to the crass commodification of human life and further coarsen our regard for the special dignity of human life,” the statement said.

Further Learning

Learn more about: Life, Cloning, Stem-Cell Research

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