|
 
 A Message from Ottawa Archbishop Marcel Gervais
In the debate over stem cell research, there are many issues which confuse the majority of people. On the one hand we are told the most fantastic possibilities of stem cell research. We could replace severed limbs. We could repair defective tissue almost everywhere. We could even restore damaged spinal cords. Amazing! When we see actor Christopher Reeve paralyzed from the neck down, when we were used to seeing him fly through the air as Superman, our hearts go out to him and to everyone who stands to benefit from stem cell research.
On the other hand, those who do have concerns about stem cell research do not like to be called fanatics. Obviously, no one wants to prolong the suffereing of people who could benefit from this research. We all pray for the coming of the day when science can do some of the things which are promised through this research.
However, people are getting the impression that the only source of stem cells is an embryo. Fortunately, embryos are not the only source of stem cells. Killing an embryo just because it is a ready source of stem cells-when the same could be obtained from adults, from umbilical cords or placenta - is simply not morally acceptable. An embryo is a person even in its frozen state.
Since dozens of embryos can be wasted in bringing about an in-vitro fertilization, since thousands of embryos can be frozen and, if not transplanted into a womb, later destroyed, we have been hardened into thinking that they have no real value, no real significance. Sometimes, embryos are considered potential persons. The very established fact that every embryo has its own DNA implies that it is a distinct human entity, "not a potential human being but a human being with full potential."
Dr. Seuss once wrote, "A person is a person, no matter how small." Whether he had embryos in mind or not, the statement certainly applies. We are pro-life, we want every person to benefit from research, but not at the expense of the lives of others.
|
