Background

The issue of stem cell research does not force us to choose between science and ethics, much less between science and religion. It presents a choice as to how our society will pursue scientific and medical progress. Will we ignore ethical norms and use some of the most vulnerable human beings as objects, undermining the respect for human life that is at the foundation of the healing arts? Such a course, even if it led to rapid technical progress, would be a regress in our efforts to build a society that is fully human. Instead we must pursue progress in ethically responsible ways that respect the dignity of each human being. Only this will produce cures and treatments that everyone can live with. On Embryonic Stem Cell Research: A Statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2008

Act

• Support adult stem cell research
• Write to your legislators on the need for ethical research practices

Learn

Vatican

• Pope Benedict: No Human Life Is Dispensable: Encourages Research on Adult Stem Cells

USCCB

• USCCB: Stem Cell Research

RECOMMENDED WEBSITES

• National Catholic Bioethics Center
• Dignitas Personae