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10/20/2005

NPLAC: AP Article Calling Embryonic Stem Cell Research Human 'Sacrifice' Hits Mark
Subcommittee Consideration of Federal Funding Should Begin and End with this Stark Admission

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19 /Christian Wire Service/ -- Dr. Paul Chaim Schenck, director of the National Pro-Life Action Center (NPLAC), issued the following statement regarding today's hearing held by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies on the potential of stem cell and nuclear transplantation research:

"Lately there has been a disturbing trend on the part of politicians and some members of the media to further obfuscate the facts involved in the debate about embryonic versus non-embryonic stem cell research. Today's hearing offers senators the chance to bring clarity and transparency to the debate and we certainly hope they will do so. But, given the selfish, unrelenting bias of some members of the subcommittee--like Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Penn.)--I am left with more concern than relief.

"The fact is that human embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) has not yielded one single scientific success--period. Conversely, non-embryonic stem cell research--like umbilical cord blood, bone marrow and adult stem cells--has produced many successful treatments and medical advancements. Yet these successes are practically ignored while the Frankensteinian science is touted as a miracle cure that only needs the balm of federal funding in the billions to begin the healing. This claim on the part of those pushing this political and ideological agenda is disingenuous at best and criminal at worst.

In the end though, the question of the acceptability of federally funding embryonic stem cell research cannot be decided solely on its success or non-success. Even if ESCR were to suddenly enjoy great success, it would be the obligation of our government to oppose this technique.

"Surprisingly, it was a recent AP article that inadvertently explained why this procedure can never be acceptable to a civilized people because it is human 'sacrifice.' The article published on October 17, 2005, stated that, 'Currently, scientists must sacrifice human embryos' to perform the process. A shocking admission by a national media outlet that a human life is being taken when the process of embryonic stem cell research is performed.

"Nuremberg clearly demonstrated to all humanity that just because we have the power to do something, does not mean that we have the right to do it. Illicit medical experiments by the Nazis would have undoubtedly given the world a rare window into the human condition and how to handle any number of medical challenges. But the world recognized then that we had no right to benefit from that research because it would have been an ill-gotten gain, and the same is true today for embryonic stem cell research."