EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH
Embryonic stem cell research is research in which a living human embryo is killed for the purpose of extracting its cells for laboratory testing.
Clearly, we must to continue to work to find cures for diseases, and to alleviate suffering. However, it has never been acceptable to deliberately kill one innocent human being in order to help another. Life begins at the beginning at conception. Human beings develop from the one-celled stage onward, and deserve respect because of the dignity they have as human beings.
Central to the debate on embryonic stem cell research is our view of the human embryo. The central question in this debate is simple: Is the human embryo a person or piece of property? It is alive. Is it a life? If life begins at conception then we must protect this innocent human life from harm and destruction.
It is important to note that there are alternative legitimate areas of research, which are showing more promise than destructive embryonic stem cell research – areas that do not create the moral and ethical difficulties.
One of the most promising scientific findings is in regard to new advances being made in adult stem cell research. Dr. Donald Orlic of the National Human Genome Research Institute in Bethesda, Maryland comments, "We are currently finding that these adult stem cells can function as well, perhaps even better than, embryonic stem cells." I strongly support aggressive research with adult stem cells, and I have supported doubling the budget for the National Institutes of Health.
