STEM CELL ISSUE: DO YOU KNOW THE CHURCH'S POSITION?

The last few days have brought the stem cell debate into greater prominence than many politicians expected. The shaking appearance of Michael Fox before a congressional hearing committee initiated a flurry of respondents from the conservative talk show hosts, Rush Limbau leading the charge. The following is at least one way of understanding the matter of embryonic stem cell research in light of Catholic moral teachings.

The new Adult Catechism puts forward the Church's position on stem cell research in Chapter 29 which focuses on the Fifth Commandment. The Church teaches us that "to destroy an embryo is to take a human life, an act contrary to God's law and Church teaching. (page 392)" Furthermore, in the AC, on page 393, you will read: "Embryonic stem-cell research is an immoral means to a good end. It is morally unacceptable." Please note that this is in regards to embryonic stem cell research.