Mother speaks out on stem cell research

The issue of stem cell research, possible potential and ethical concerns, has been considered one of the most important scientific debates of our time. Stem cells are the cells from which all other cells originate. In a human embryo, a large portion of the embryo's cells are stem cells. As the young child grows in her mother's womb, most of these cells begin to differentiate and become heart, liver, kidneys and all of the 210 kinds of tissue found in a human body. Even though most of these cells become differentiated, all humans retain some stem cells.

One of the most important issues in the debate over stem cell research is the ethics involved. Taking the life of a human being at any stage in development for research is ethically wrong. The embryos that are being destroyed are more than just tissue, each embryo is completely human and unlike any other person. Even though this research could be helpful, it is still never ethically correct to sacrifice the life of one human to save the life of another without their consent. The good news is that stem cell research can be done in life-affirming ways. Adults, blood from umbilical cords and placentas hold stem cells. Scientists and researchers do not need to destroy human beings for stem cells.

Recently, Karen Barney wrote a letter to President Bush regarding this important issue. Mrs. Barney, in her letter to President Bush stated, "I am writing you concerning stem cell research. I have MS, and I believe beneficial treatments for MS could be found through this research. I have seven children. They would enjoy having their mother go for a walk in the park or push them on a swing. These are things I cannot do very well because of this disease. . . But I know that stem cell research using human embryos is wrong. God is the one who gives these tiny humans life. He created them with an immortal soul and spirit. We do not have the option of using these lives to please ourselves. I cannot choose a method of treatment that will take the life of another. . ."

For more information on stem cell research, visit the Right to Life of Michigan web site, www.rtl.org, or call the nearest Right to Life of Michigan Educational Resource Center.

 

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