Human Embryo Research Resisted

A broad coalition of Christians is joining a campaign to resist efforts to weaken the federal ban on funding of medical research on human embryos.

A National Institutes of Health proposal would change regulations so that federal funds could be used for research with stem cells derived from human embryos. The regulations would permit the funding of research as long as the money to kill the embryos is not from federal sources.

“There are better, more promising avenues to follow in order to continue our fight against some of the diseases,” said Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), describing the proposed research as “immoral, illegal, and unnecessary.”

In July, the coalition released a comprehensive statement outlining its opposition to research using human embryos. The statement, “On Human Embryos and Stem Cell Research: An Appeal for Legally and Ethically Responsible Science and Public Policy” (www.stemcellresearch.org), was signed by 90 experts in law, science, medicine, and ethics.

The statement disputes recent claims that progress in stem-cell research requires the destruction of human embryos. Stem cells produce copies of damaged cells in order to repair body parts and systems. In recent years, scientists have isolated stem cells from human embryos and fetuses, umbilical cord blood, cadavers, and adult donors and used them to treat diseases. An estimated 100,000 live human embryos produced by in vitro fertilization have been left frozen in fertility clinics around the nation. The National Bioethics Advisory Commission is shortly expected to issue a final report, approving the use of the embryos to derive stem cells.

Copyright © 1999 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Also in this issue

Redeeming Sudan's Slaves: Will buying the freedom of one fuel the enslavement of ten? Some Christian human-rights workers say slave redemption backfires.

Cover Story

Redeeming Sudan's Slaves

Good News for the Lost, Imprisoned, Abducted, and Enslaved

Let’s Get Physical

Classic & Contemporary Excerpts from August 09, 1999

Peretti Out-Grishams Grisham

By the CT Staff

Evangelicalism’s Thriving Warriors

How Evil Became Cool

Howard-Browne Takes New York

Nursing Homes: White Unto Harvest

Was the Messiah a Vegetarian?

Will Gambling Limit Be Heeded?

Ministry Helps Wounded Women

In Brief: August 09, 1999

Alliance Targets Sex Trafficking

South Koreans Help Neighbors

Baptist School Taps Catholic

Catholics Accept Protestant Baptisms

In Brief: August 09, 1999

Editorial

Persecution Is Persecution Is Persecution

A Postmodern Ezekiel

Letters

Homosexuality: Presbyterians Hold Firm on Fidelity

Medicine: Mission Sets Sights on Blindness

Sexual Abuse: How Congregations Find Healing

Will Pax TV Survive Second Season?

Banker Trusts Credit-poor Churches

Europe: East Germany Churches Falter

Editorial

Can I Get a Witness?

Wire Story

House Upholds Display of Ten Commandments

The Greatest Story Never Read

I Love to Tell the Story to Those Who Know It Least

Rediscovering Jesus in, of All Places, Church

Is Marriage Made in Heaven?

What's in a Name?

If I’m an Evangelical, What Am I?

Baroness Caroline Cox: Rescuing Russia's Orphans

View issue

Our Latest

New Archbishop of Canterbury Steps into Anglican Divides

Conservatives call on Sarah Mullally, the first woman at the spiritual helm of the Church of England, to uphold biblical faith amid same-sex blessings debate.

News

FDA Approves Generic Abortion Pill

Students for Life leader calls the move “a stain on the Trump presidency.”

News

John Cornyn’s MAGA-land Challenge

The incumbent senator is up against his strongest challenge yet in populist-right leader Ken Paxton.

Fighting Korea’s Loneliness Epidemic with Cafés and Convenience Stores

Seoul recently introduced free public services to tackle social isolation. Christians have been doing that for years.

You Haven’t Heard Worship Music like This

John Van Deusen’s praise is hard-won and occasionally wordless.

Excerpt

‘Don’t Take It If You Don’t Need It’

The Trump administration releases new recommendations for Tylenol use during pregnancy.

The Russell Moore Show

BONUS: Lecrae on Reconstruction after Disillusionment

 Lecrae joins Russell Moore to take questions from Christianity Today subscribers

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube