Dioceses Forge Stem Cell Education Initiative
In conjunction with the New Jersey Catholic Conference, the New Jersey Catholic Respect Life Directors have launched a joint effort to educate the faithful on the issues surrounding stem cell research.
The Science of Stem Cells:
Finding Cures and Protecting Life
During September 2007, all Catholic parishes in NJ received a DVD and a packet of information to help dispel the myths and clarify Church teaching on stem cell research. This initiative was undertaken with the support and blessing of the bishops of New Jersey who have been concerned that the voices heard in the public square are sending a misleading message to people.
The citizens of New Jersey had the opportunity to vote on the NJ Stem Cell Research Bond Act in November in order to approve or disapprove $450 million dollars to fund stem cell research. The bond issue included funding for both embryonic and adult stem cell research, but the great majority of funding was to be dedicated to embryonic stem cell research. On November 6, 2007, the referendum was defeated. We are grateful for all of those persons who worked to insure that the Catholics of our state could make an informed decision on this referendum.
Remember, in light of Church teaching on the sanctity of human life, we can and do support adult stem cell research, while we are opposed to any funding for human embryonic stem cell research and human cloning. Embryonic stem cell research always involves the destruction of the human embryo, which is innocent human life.
Catholics have an obligation to protect human life and promote responsible scientific research. Therefore, we can never support embryonic stem cell research.
To learn more about the science of adult stem cell research and cord blood donation, please click here (194k, .pdf).
