Stem Cell Research Catholic Social Teaching

1. Stem Cell ResearchCatholic Social Teaching By JaeHeon Shin

2. What is Stem Cell Research? • 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.

3. Catechism supports • 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).

4. Support of the church(According to the CST text book) • 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.

5. Stem Cell Research controversy • 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.

6. Biblical views of Stem Cell Research • 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

7. Conclusion • 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 .