Debate on Embryonic Stem Cell Research Won’t Go Away


(This update courtesy of Agape Press.)



by Fred Jackson

(AgapePress) – The controversy over whether federal tax dollars will be used for embryonic stem cell research is becoming a political ticking time bomb for President Bush.

On one side of this debate are the “experts” who argue that stem cells taken from human embryos hold great promise for treating illnesses such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, and cancer. On the other side are Christians and other conservative thinkers who say this is a case where the ends definitely do not justify the means. They say regardless of the possible positive outcomes of working with these cells, the procedure calls for killing the embryo — the taking of a human life.

As a demonstration of just how much of the President's time is being spent on this issue, The Washington Post reports Bush has been raising the matter at almost every group gathering in recent days, regardless of whether the meeting has anything to do with stem cell research.

There had been some thought that the President would have made a decision by now. But political observers say Bush is likely going to wait until after he meets with the Pope in Rome next week to avoid any public dispute with the Catholic Church, which has taken a firm stand against stem cell research.

On Tuesday, people opposed to embryonic stem cell research put faces on the debate when children who at one time were frozen embryos were introduced to the press. Lucinda Borden of Falbrook, California, and her husband adopted their two boys when then were in a petri dish.

“These children have grown in my womb, they've known me as their mother since the time they were born,” Borden said. “We can't treat these embryos as if they're property. We need to treat them as life, and put them up for adoption the way life deserves respect.”

Borden and her children were introduced yesterday by the Family Research Council at a press conference. “I just ask that you truly, truly see these embryos as children waiting to be born and waiting for families,” she said.

Ken Connor, president of Family Research Council, said the infants have a stake in the debate over federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. He pointed out the babies were more than just fodder for researchers. “Their existence bespeaks that they are not something else as well: they are not mere property,” Connor said. “The human embryo is a 'who' — not a 'what.'”

Connor offered this challenge to President Bush, who will soon make a determination as to whether to continue federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. “We call on the President to meet with these children and to be a voice for those who can't be a voice for themselves,” he said.

The Bordens are in the nation's capital where they will testify today before a House subcommittee in an effort to demonstrate that embryos are human beings.

Subscribe to CE
(It's free)

Go to Catholic Exchange homepage

MENU