WINTER 2007/08

Family blessed by adoption makes impact in stem cell debate

Many proponents of embryonic stem cell research claim the human embryos they would like to destroy for research are just medical waste. They allege the only embryos they plan to kill for their stem cells are those frozen by in-vitro fertility clinics, often referring to them as "leftover." Frank and his family have stepped up to be proof that this is bad reasoning.

Following a completed home study and being chosen by a family to receive the remaining frozen embryos from their in-vitro fertilization process, David and Stacy Giesen adopted Frank at 4 cells of age through the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program of Nightlight Christian Adoptions.

David and Stacy spent four years and large sums of money enduring infertility tests and treatments before seeking other options to fulfill their dreams of having children. An Internet search led Stacy to the Snowflakes Embryo Adoption Program. Learning that she could experience the doctors appointments, ultrasounds, maternity clothes and delivering her own child was something she didn’t think she would ever be able to do.

David and Stacy know that human life begins at conception. They know it because their son, Frank, was adopted when he was four cells old, and they have pictures. The Giesen family has testified in front of the Michigan House Health Policy Committee on behalf of embryo adoption and to the Michigan House Judiciary Committee this past November against destroying human embryos for research.

Many seem to forget or ignore that embryo, fetus, toddler, adolescent and adult are merely words to describe levels of human development. Hoping to remind people of this, Frank has appeared on billboards and print pieces.

EMBRYO OR TODDLER . . . FRANK IS STILL FRANK

Saying these members of our society who have been frozen will be discarded anyway is inaccurate. Many are saved for future family building by their parents (chosen by about 90 percent according to a study by the RAND corporation) and others, like Frank, have been adopted by families who are struggling with infertility.

Frank, who will be three years old this January, now has a baby sister who was adopted using Snowflakes as well.

For more information about the Giesens or embryo adoption in the stem cell debate, visit www.stemcellresearchcures.com.

 

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