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Debate
Is On "Embryonic Stem Cell Research" Not
"Stem Cell Research."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2006
The
Following Statement Can Be Attributed To Nevada LIFE
President Don Nelson:
This
week news organizations will be reporting on the
Senate debate on embryonic stem cell research. Nevada LIFE requests that you describe the debate as a debate
about “embryonic stem cell research”
not “stem cell research.”
There are two kinds of stem cell research,
embryonic and non-embryonic or adult stem cell
research. Most
stem cell research is not embryonic. Embryonic stem cell research is morally contentious because
it requires destroying human embryos to obtain
embryonic stem cells.
Non-embryonic or “adult” stem cell research
does not destroy human embryos or human life and poses
no ethical problems.
To use the general term “stem cell
research” to describe embryonic stem cell
research leaves the readers, listeners or viewers with
the impression that pro-life organizations like Nevada
LIFE oppose all stem cell research. The fact is that pro-life groups support almost all stem
cell research.
We only oppose “embryonic stem cell
research.”
There
are over 70 stem cell successes with over 500 human
trials under way.
None of those success/cures or human
trials involves embryonic stem cells.
The use of the term “stem cell research” to
describe “embryonic stem cell research” creates
the impression that there are embryonic stem cell
successes that warrant further embryonic stem cell
research, when after 20 years, there are none.
The
importance of this issue and the need for accurate
descriptions of what is being debated cannot be
overstated. It
poses the questions, “can we experiment on classes
of human beings for the benefit of others without
consent?” “Can
we create and destroy human life to benefit others?”
Accurately distinguishing the types of research
is necessary for public discussion and public input
for setting public policy on these serious issues.
The public needs to know exactly what is being
discussed.
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