Stem Cells
One of the most difficult things about the topic of stem cell research is that many people really do not understand the issue and what is at stake.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are basically like the "master template" of all the body's cells. They can become any of the human body's particular kinds of cells, such as organ, tissue, skin, hair, bone, etc. The envisioned, but unproven, potential of these cells in treatment cases is significant.
There are basically two types of stem cells - those that can become almost any kind of particular cell (these are called "pluripotent") and those that are limited in the kinds of cells that they can become (these are called "multipotent").
Here's where the difficulty enters. Obviously, the pluripotent cells are highly sought after due to their great flexibility. Unfortunately, until very recently, the only source we had for pluripotent stem cells were human embryos - hence the name "Embryonic Stem Cell Research". Removing stem cells from the human embryo necessarily resulted in its destruction.
The fundamental position of the Church on embryonic stem cell research is, thus, the same as her position on abortion. The human being has inestimable dignity and an inviolable right to life from the moment of conception. She cannot be destroyed in the name of medical research.
Now, multipotent stem cells, though less flexible, can be obtained quite easily and ethically from skin, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood and are often called "Adult (or Somatic) Stem Cells." These cells have proven more stable and successful in actual treatment cases. The Church supports and encourages adult stem cell research.
An incredible breakthrough using Adult Stem Cells.
In November 2007, independent teams of Japanese and American researchers were able to create the equivalent of embryonic stem cells from skin cells. This major development changes everything about the stem cell discussion. These researchers were able to use human skin cells to produce stem cells with the same flexible qualities as embryonic stem cells. These are called "Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC)." This breakthrough effectively overcomes the need for human embryos as a source of pluripotent stem cells. Unfortunately, embryonic stem cell advocates continue to press for further research on human embryos.
See our resource page for some excellent sources for further information. Included is information on Canadian charitable organizations that support Embryonic Stem Cell Research - a gravely immoral practice that results in the death of human beings at their most defenseless moment.
Church Documents and Teaching
Declaration on the Production and the Scientific and Therapeutic use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells, Pontifical Academy for Life, August 25, 2000
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_academies/acdlife/documents/
rc_pa_acdlife_doc_20000824_cellule-staminali_en.html
