Download Stem Cell Research Catholic Social Teaching

By JaeHeon Shin
 Stem Cell - Stem cells are mother cells that have the
potential to become any type of cell in the body. One of
the main characteristics of stem cells is their ability to
self-renew or multiply while maintaining the potential
to develop into other types of cells. Stem cells can
become cells of the blood, heart, bones, skin,
muscles, brain etc. There are different sources of stem
cells but all types of stem cells have the same capacity to
develop into multiple types of cells. In brief, stem cells
are a vital way for the body’s cell to be replenished.
2295 Research or experimentation on the human being cannot legitimate acts that are in
themselves contrary to the dignity of persons and to the moral law. The subjects’ potential
consent does not justify such acts. Experimentation on human beings is not morally legitimate
if it exposes the subject’s life or physical and psychological integrity to disproportionate or
avoidable risks. Experimentation on human beings does not conform to the dignity of the
person if it takes place without the informed consent of the subject or those who legitimately
speak for him.
 2293 Basic scientific research, as well as applied research, is a significant expression of man’s
dominion over creation. Science and technology are precious resources when placed at the
service of man and promote his integral development for the benefit of all. By themselves
however they cannot disclose the meaning of existence and of human progress. Science and
technology are ordered to man, from whom they take their origin and development; hence they
find in the person and in his moral values both evidence of their purpose and awareness of
their limits.
 1753 A good intention (for example, that of helping one’s neighbor) does not make behavior
that is intrinsically disordered, such as lying and calumny, good or just. The end does not
justify the means. Thus the condemnation of an innocent person cannot be justified as a
legitimate means of saving the nation. On the other hand, an added bad intention (such as
vainglory) makes an act evil that, in and of itself, can be good (such as almsgiving).
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 The Church supports most stem cell research which
typically obtains cells from adult tissue, umbilical cord
blood, and other sources. This type of research poses no
moral problem. On the other hand, the ethical issue
involved in embryonic stem cell research is that researchers
must harvest stem cells from living human embryos, thus
destroying them.
 Stem cell research has become one of the biggest issues
dividing the scientific and religious communities around
the world. At the core of the issue is one central question:
When does life begin? At this time, to get stem cells that
are reliable, scientists either have to use an embryo that has
already been conceived or else clone an embryo using a cell
from a patient's body and a donated egg. Either way, to
harvest an embryo's stem cells, scientists must destroy it.
Although that embryo may only contain four or five cells,
some religious leaders say that destroying it is the
equivalent of taking a human life. Inevitably, this issue
entered the political arena.
 1. Christian Ethics is Based on God’s Will. God wills what is right based on
His own unchanging moral character, and He instructs us to obey His will. "Be
ye holy, for I am holy" (Lev 11:45). "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father
is perfect" (Matt 5:48).
 2. Christian Ethics is Absolute. God’s moral character never changes (Mal
3:6; James 1:17), so moral obligations flowing from His nature are absolute.
Imperatives like holiness, justice, love, truthfulness, and mercy are binding for
everyone, everywhere, all the time.
 3. Christian Ethics is based on Divine Revelation. God has revealed His
commands both through general revelation in tradition (Rom 1:19-20; 2:12-15;
Ps 19:1-6) and special revelation in scripture (Rom 2:18; 3:2; Ps 19:7-14). General
revelation contains God’s commands for all people; special revelation declares
His will for believers. Although unbelievers may not know the Scriptural basis
of morality, they show by their inclinations that the law is written in their
hearts (Rom 2:14-15). God will exonerate no one for failing to recognize Him as
the Source of moral duty.
 http://www.truthandtidings.com/issues/2005/t20050209.php
 Scientists should stop researching and using
embryonic Stem cells. Although the result might be
good, Stem cell research does not justify the evil
means of the destruction of innocent human life. In
brief, to do something good, people can not do bad .