Catholic Social Justice Essay: Embryonic Stem Cell Research

As Christians we are instilled with the belief that all life is sacred from the moment of conception. But what if science could develop a cure for degenerative diseases using research which contradicts the firm beliefs of the Catholic Church. Could you trade your beliefs for a cure? The research into stem cells is proposing this very solution to modern day society. As technology gets more advanced we are constantly gathering more and more information about the science of human life. With this in mind however, who gets to decide when the cost of breaching human rights and decency out weighs the benefits. Embryonic stem cell research takes excess embryos from in-vitro fertilization and aborted fetuses to conduct research. The research is invasive and leads to the death of the fetus. How can we as Catholic’s who are called to be socially just promote this research when it challenges our beliefs to such a degree. The research of embryonic stem cells is a desecration to the validit y and sacredness of human-life and is therefore murder of human beings. The means of gaining material for this research promotes disrespect for the dignity of human life, murder, and also interferes with God’s plan for humanity. There are three main types of stem cell research which are currently being studied today. These types include umbilical-cord stem cells, adult stem cells, and embryonic stem cells. Due to their capability to develop into basically any kind of cell, stem cells exhibit a great promise in scientific experimentation. Scientists are pushing these forms of research due to the promise of finding cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions and diseases. (Smith and Kaczor 48). The... ...Perf. Jim Carrey and Steve Carell. Twentieth Century Fox, 2008. Motion Picture. Human Embryo Experimentation. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Bonnie Barbour, 2002. Print Irving, Dianne N. â€Å"Stem Cell Research: some Pro’s and Con’s.† physiciansforlife.ca. N.d. Web. 1 Jan 2011. Richert, Scott P. â€Å"The Catholic Church’s Teaching on Stem-Cell Research.† catholicism.about.com. N.d. Web. 1 January 2011. Smith, Janet E and Christopher Kaczor. Life Issues Medical Choices. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messeger Press, 2007. Print. The English Standard Version Bible:   Containing the Old and New Testaments with Apocrypha.   Oxford:   Oxford UP, 2009.   Print. The Gospel of Life, Evangelium vitae. Pope John Paul II, March 25, 1995.