Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Right to Life of Northeast Indiana
Stance
Right to Life of Northeast Indiana (RLNI) opposes embryonic stem cell research and other forms of research that require the destruction of human embryos. We recognize the importance of pursuing treatments and cures for disease; however, medical progress should never come at the cost of intentionally ending innocent human life. Ethical alternatives, including adult stem cell and umbilical cord blood research, demonstrate that scientific advancement and respect for human dignity can coexist.
Overview
Because the stem cells of human embryos are pluripotent (can differentiate into all the types of human cells), researchers are experimenting on them in an attempt to cure diseases. Adults also have Stem cells and the research being done on those has been successful in finding treatments. The main difference between the two lines of research is how scientists procure the Stem cells. Embryonic Stem cells come from a human at the embryonic stage of development within 14 days of fertilization (conception). These embryos are typically composed of 100 cells or less. Stem cells can also be gathered from umbilical cord blood after the birth of an infant. Adult stem cells for research are donated by individuals, similar to blood donation, and are found throughout the body but are often drawn from bone marrow.
Research focuses on activating these cells to form new tissue that is perfectly matched to replace diseased tissue in the body essentially giving people a transplant that is their own and not dependent on an organ donor.
Adult stem cell research:
Adult stem cell research is founded on voluntary donations of stem cells. We applaud the researchers who have put hard work into finding cures in this area and wish them future success.
Umbilical cord stem cells:
Umbilical cord stem cells are gathered upon the request of the parents, often with the intention of banking them for future use by the child. This innovation is exciting and we appreciate another chance as parents to protect and help heal our children. Since the umbilical cord is discarded after birth anyways, cord blood banking for stem cell preservation is a commendable use of resources. We hope to see many discoveries come in this area of research.
Embryonic stem cell research:
Embryonic stem cell research is unethical. The research necessitates the creation and destruction of human beings echoing the horrific, involuntary research conducted on people during the reign of Hitler in Nazi Germany. Currently in the US, laws sanction this destruction. Research on embryos is legal up to 14 days after fertilization after which the embryo must be destroyed.
Core Moral Concern
As of the writing of this, no cures have been found from this unethical research. There are late stage trials in progress and even if those are successful, that does not make embryonic stem research licit. The ends do not justify the means. We cannot justify the involuntary sacrifice of the smallest of humans because it aids the older and larger humans. All human beings are equal from the moment of fertilization. Human embryonic stem cell research must be made illegal and abandoned.
Get the Facts
Learn more about the science, history, and modern implications of stem cell research.
AAPLOG Podcast: 3 Myths About Stem Cell Research | with David Prentice, PhD
Charlotte Lozier Institute Article: Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research 25 Years On
US Conference of Catholic Bishops: Human Embryo Research is Illegal, Immoral, and Unnecessary (2001)
Mayo Clinic Post: Stem cells: What they are and what they do
*Notice, this post never addresses the fact that human embryos are humans. Dehumanizing preborn people is one of the most popular tactics in pro-abortion rhetoric.
Questions or want to learn more? Contact us.
rlni@ichooselife.org | (260) 471-1849
