The hierarchy of the Catholic Church has taken a historically critical position of embryonic stem cell research. The U.S. Roman Catholic Bishops oppose the research as “immoral, illegal, and unnecessary.” They say life is sacred from the moment of conception. As a result of this position, the Catholic Church has been one of the most prominent opponents of stem cell research, going so far as to issue repeated statements regarding their stance. Earlier this year, President Obama met with Pope Benedict XVI and discussed this issue, parting to agree to disagree. The Catholic Church takes a strong position that life of complete moral status begins at the moment of conception, equating the status of an embryo with that of a human being. For this reason, conducting embryonic stem cell research is tantamount to taking a life.
Despite the strong conservative position taken by clergy and the Catholic Church hierarchy, many—indeed most—U.S. Catholic do not agree. According to a survey done by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, a plurality of 49% of Catholics favor stem cell research, whereas 38% oppose it and 13% are unsure. Many notable Catholics, like Senator Ted Kennedy and Governor Mario Cuomo, have become steadfast advocates and champions of this cause, understanding this issue to be a decidedly pro-life one, and one that is completely in line with the protection of all life.
Among the majority of Catholics who support stem cell research are the Catholics for Choice, a part of the great majority of the faithful in the Catholic church who disagrees with the dictates of the Vatican on matters related to sex, marriage, family life and motherhood. Catholics for Choice are part of the great majority who believes that Catholic teachings on conscience mean that every individual must follow his or her own conscience ― and respect others’ right to do the same. In a statement following President Obama’s reversal on restriction on embryonic stem cell research, Jon O’Brien, president of Catholics for Choice, stated: “Catholics for Choice applauds President Obama’s bold support of science and reason in the face of opposition from the Catholic hierarchy and their right wing allies.”
Here are some important facts worth noting:
- At its very core, the issue of stem cell research is one that is pro-life. It centers itself on pursuing the ability to treat and potentially cure diseases and conditions that have been a source of human suffering, including cancer, diabetes, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, heart disease, stroke, blindness, multiple sclerosis, autism, and others.
- Abrahamic tradition rests on the notion that one of our biggest responsibilities is finding ways to heal the world of such suffering. Stem cell research – and most notably undifferentiated (embryonic) stem cell research – is one of the most promising ways to do just that.
- The Catholic Church has a long and consistent condition of supporting scientific endeavors, including such theologians as Tertullian (ca. 160-225), St. Augustine (354-430), and St. Aquinas (1225-1274).
- According to the Catechism, “Methodical research in all branches of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not override moral plus, can never conflict with the faith, because the things of the world and the things of the faith derive from the same God.”
- The point at which many undifferentiated stem cells are derived is the point at which a couple who has pursued in vitro fertilization no longer wishes to keep their excess fertilized eggs. Many of these fertilized eggs will otherwise be discarded as nothing more than medical waste, but could instead be used to find ways to treat disease. Allowing these cells to potentially become cures is the pro-life option.
- The issue of stem cell research has been mistakenly coupled with the issue of abortion, however these two issues are not at all related. Stem cell research has nothing to do with abortion. Stem cells DO NOT come from the remains of an abortion procedure.
- Undifferentiated stem cells come from a blastocyst, which is a bundle of cells (about 100 in total) approximately five days into development. A blastocyst is barely visible to the naked eye.
- Since its genesis in 1998, stem cell research has been the very source of hope that has kept millions of people alive. The promise of this research to restore life and dignity is profound and stands as an important legacy and pivotal responsibility.
What is universal among Catholics is the belief that society ought to be doing all it can to care for and perpetuate life. The rest is up for interpretation.