Bioethics/Sanctity of Human Life: Cloning/Stem Cell Research
One of the fastest paced and most contentious areas of medical research today centers around the use of existing human embryos and possible creation of new embryos for stem cell research. While at first these topics may appear to too complex for non-scientists to grapple with, the basic biology is relatively simple and the ethical questions demand consideration by all people of faith, regardless of their scientific knowledge.
The common denominator between embryonic stem cell research and human cloning is the fate of and respect for the human embryo, the earliest life form in the human family. Unless and until we extend unqualified protection to all members of our species, regardless of stage of development and location, some science will continue to use the weakest among us for research material.
Features
Egg Donation: Good Deed or Risky Venture?
What's the truth behind the appealing egg donation ads?
A New Administration and the State of Stem Cell Research
Stem cell research will continue to be debated in halls of Congress but unfortunately, political decisions might not line up with sound science.
Looking Forward: Ethical Stem Cell Research
As stem cell research continues to be an issue debated in the public square, scientists are discovering ethical alternatives through the use of adult cells.
Turn Signal Video: Adult Stem Cell Research Gains Ground
Recent breakthroughs in ethical research are making embryonic stem cells a thing of the past.
Uncommon Moms
Pro-life women took their families to Washington, D.C., to show congressional liberals that frozen embryos are human after all.
What the Media Won't Tell You About Stem Cell Research
The debate over stem cell research is raging across the nation and echoing through chambers of Congress and state legislatures. Most people have heard just enough to offer an opinion to friends and neighbors. Every new study on embryonic stem cells produces an onslaught of optimistic articles confidently proclaiming that with just a little more time and a lot more public money embryonic stem cells will provide cures for dozens of diseases and hope for millions of sick patients. Meanwhile, stories promoting adult stem cells seem to be less optimistic and much less prominent. Casual observers might reasonably conclude that embryonic stem cells hold the most promise while adult stem cells are of secondary interest. They would be wrong.
Altered Nuclear Transfer: An Ethical Cloning Alternative?
Dr. William Hurlbut has proposed a new human cloning process described as “altered nuclear transfer” that would create “non-embryos” that contain embryonic stem cells. The proposal involves human cloning and genetic modification to create genetically disabled “embryos” that cannot develop past the blastocyst stage. These “embryos” would then be destroyed for their stem cells.
A Superman for Life
Family, friends and millions of fans grieved the October 10, 2004 death of actor, director and spinal-cord research advocate Christopher Reeve. Reeve ardently supported embryonic stem cell research. Mark Pickup, on the other hand, is willing to turn his back on research that might help him walk again if it comes at the expense of another human life, a conviction that makes him a different kind of superman — a superman for life.
Quick Facts
Position Statement on Stem Cell Research
Position Statement on Human Cloning
In Vitro Fertilization and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
Adult Stem Cells: It's Not Pie-in-the-Sky
Defining the Stem Cell Controversy
FAQs
Connecting the Dots: Stem Cells and Human Cloning
Frequently Asked Questions: Stem Cell Research
Why Congress Should Pass a Comprehensive Human Cloning Ban
Frequently Asked Questions: The Human Genome Project
Exploring the Issue
Note: Some of these resources refer to sites not produced by FOF. These are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement.
Turn Signal Video Feature: Adult Stem Cell Research Gains Ground
What the Experts Say about Human Cloning
Are There Ethical Ways to Obtain Embryonic Stem Cells
Family News in Focus
