Pope Says Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Artificial Insemination Have 'Shattered' Human Dignity

Main Category: Women's Health / Gynecology
Also Included In: Stem Cell Research;  Fertility
Article Date: 05 Feb 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday during an address to a meeting of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith said human embryonic stem cell research, artificial insemination and the possibility of human cloning have "shattered the barriers meant to protect human dignity," Reuters Health reports.

Benedict said the Roman Catholic Church wants scientific progress to be based on "ethical-moral principles," including respect for human beings "from conception until natural death," as well as respect for the natural transmission of life through sexual intercourse. "When human beings in the weakest and most defenseless state of their existence are selected, abandoned, killed or used as pure 'biological material,' how can one deny that they are being treated not as 'someone' but as 'something?'" Benedict asked, adding that such practices question the "very concept of the dignity of man" (Pullella, Reuters Health, 1/31).

Benedict in his address also criticized people who believe the church is an "obstacle to science and humanity's true progress," adding that it is the church's responsibility to "reiterate the great values, which are on the line" (AP/Google.com, 1/31). He said that widespread interest in medicine has made it important for the church to become involved in such issues, adding that the church "appreciates and encourages" stem cell research that does not involve the destruction of human embryos (Reuters Health, 1/31).

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