Over the past years I’ve spoken out in favor of stem cell research – as long as it is NOT embryonic. Those who favor the death of a child to help others have replaced ‘embryonic stem cell’ with simply ‘stem cell’ in their writings, but there are huge differences. One requires the death of an unborn human, the others do not.
To use the two-word description, however, allows those who advocate death to make it appear the conservative right would deny research to those in dire need of assistance right now. That view is an outright lie.
Even when President Bush’s decree stopped new embryonic stem cell research, existing research lines continued with government funding, and private funding was never squelched. Other stem cell research, not requiring the death of an unborn, continued, too. In the past I’ve posted results of such research. If you think there are a lot of posts here on this subject, it is because it is very important to me.
Stem Cell Research, June, 2008
Did You Notice, November, 2008
Timing, January, 2009
Missions Accomplished, January, 2009
Patience, March, 2009
Stem Cells Again, September, 2009
Stem Cells Four, December, 2009 (only it's more than four!)
Once again non-embryonic stem cell research makes headlines, on Fox News this time – I could not find it on CNN or MSNBC.
It appears those advocating the use of embryos are very concerned with human rights, so let’s discuss from their viewpoint. As far as I’m concerned, it is a human rights issue besides being a moral, ethical issue. Supporters speak of these embryos as being nothing more than a mass of cells unrelated to a human being. These cells are given different names as they progress through growth phases. None of those names resemble the word “baby,” but as they grow, they become nothing else.
From the joining of the sperm and egg, the outcome does not change from human to research animal. Nor does the DNA change from that given by the woman and man. The DNA is unique, unlike any other. Nurtured in their designed homes, individual humans will be born.
Setting aside any religious beliefs, the use of embryonic stem cells is scientific research on humans. The most vulnerable of humans, and there should be crowds of human rights activists marching in protest. They are not.
This tells me that such activists place differing values on human lives. Some are more important than others. Some lives must be lost to ensure others gain. Thank God He does not look upon us that way.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [2 Peter 3:9 KJV]
Peter closes this epistle with a request, one that will help us understand how much God loves each one of us from our beginning.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. [2 Peter 3:18 KJV]
I enjoyed the articles on stem cells. While talking with a doctor at Baylor, I was told that they would first search for a sibling match, then non-relations, then umbilical chord banks. I was concerned because I wondered about the umbilical stem cells. Yes, this could be taken from live births but could it also be from aborted babies? If so, I knew that the Lord would never bless it. I am thankful that I don't have to be concerned with it in my situation. The Lord planned for my brother to be a perfect match for me before either of us were ever born and to Him I give all the glory.
ReplyDelete