Ecumenical Dialogue - Catholic

Religion Today Summaries

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

Debate Over Embryonic Stem-cell Research Continues

AgapePress

A Christian medial group is condemning a major stem-cell organization, saying it is trying to hide the truth from the public. Dr. David Stevens of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations is upset over the attempt to hide the truth in the debate over embryonic stem-cell research. "The International Society for Stem Cell Research is trying to mislead the public and the media by actually changing the terms used in describing cloning," Stevens explains. "In fact, they're recommending [that their members abstain from using] the term 'cloning' ... and talk about 'nuclear transfer' or 'somatic cell nuclear transfer' when you're writing in a journal or in the popular media." Dr. Stevens says this is a blatant attempt at verbal engineering in order to bring about social engineering and make people less sensitive to the taking of unborn human life. In an interesting side note, the ISSCR also suggests its members refrain from using the term "therapeutic" -- as in "therapeutic cloning" -- because, like "cloning," the term is misleading. In a statement to ISSCR members, the group states it is "far too early to predict therapeutic uses" of cloning. "[N]aming a technique for its hoped outcome," ISSCR states, "may inadvertently offer premature hope to desperate patients and families."

# posted by Matthew Tan Yew Hock @ 2:43 AM