Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Some one in my immediate family has diabetes. My father had Parkinson’s disease. There are a number of scientists that believe that embryonic stem cell research may lead to cures for these awful diseases. From a Catholic point of view I can not support any embryonic stem cell research. From a personal point of view, how can I not want to support research that could lead to a cure? This has created a moral dilemma for my family and me. For the past several years we have raised money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation during their annual Walk for the Cure. However, they are taking up a position that endorses this type of research. Because of this, we will not be walking or raising money this year. I do want to make one thing clear. I think the JDRF is a wonderful organization that is trying to make the lives of millions better. I just don’t agree with their current research position.
One thing I have recently discovered is that not a lot of current treatment has resulted in embryonic stem cell research, but a significant number of treatments have come from adult stem cell research. Read here for more details. While this doesn’t really say what the future will bring, it does make me more comfortable with my current position on the subject.
I find myself wondering, if a cure came from or required embryonic stem cells, would we take advantage of the cure? I am not sure I could answer that question. I think I would have to leave it up to the family member that it could possibly cure. I know it would require a lot of prayer. In the mean time, I will continue to do more research on the subject and pray that a cure or advancement in treatment comes from other research.
For more information about the Catholic perspective on medical ethics, click here.
posted by CatholicFatherOf2 @ 11:04 AM
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