Drawing a Line in the Sand

For the past two years, we have been faced with an issue that is filled with complexities: stem cell research. Misunderstandings, unfair attacks and an overwhelming amount of disingenuous statements have colored the public discussion and the positions of Right to Life of Michigan in this debate.

Right to Life of Michigan has attempted to use all types of educational outreach to present the case that as an organization we are in favor of those types of stem cell research which do not result in the direct destruction of a human being. Ethical stem cell research includes the use of adult stem cells, amniotic fluid stem cells, cord blood stem cells and the newest research avenue, the reprogramming of adult cells into embryonic-like stem cells.

Incidentally, it is the fore mentioned types of stem cell research that are actually producing results for patients. These are ethically and realistically the kinds of stem cell research that we can all promote. See the special web site www.stemcellresearchcures.com for more information.

The following quote gives us a platform for discussion: "Once we cross the fundamental moral line that prevents us from treating any fellow human being as a mere object of research, there is no stopping point." (draft text from U.S. Catholic Bishops Spring 08 meeting)

The citizens of Michigan will be faced with two opposing sides in this ethical debate and will be asked to make a choice at the ballot box. Will they vote for research without guidelines; research that by design kills a human embryo; research that to date has produced no cures for humans; research that has proven to be a black hole of wasted financial resources? Research without restrictions?

Or will we be able to promote the truth about the type of stem cell research that has real promise; that is already aiding human patients without the cannibalization of the smallest member of our human family.

We in the prolife community face huge challenges in the days ahead in convincing our fellow citizens that a human being is a human being no matter how small. Each of us began our lives as an embryo. We now must stand to protect the smallest and weakest member of our human family from being used as a laboratory research animal. Please help us fight this life battle through your prayers and your donation of time and resources.

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