Non-Traditional Sources of Pluripotent Stem Cells: A New Chapter in the Debate?
June 22, 2009
For several years, ethical and political debate has been swirling over whether, and how, to utilize stem cells for research, drug testing, and regenerative medicine. Many scientists advocate use of embryonic stem cells (ESC) because of their near-universal, “pluripotent” flexibility. However, the fact that their derivation requires the destruction of human embryos, or close collaboration with abortion in the case of stem cells derived from the gonadal ridge of young embryos, has rendered them ethically suspect and excluded from federal funding under the Dickey Amendment and the Bush administration policy of 2001.
Health Charities, Unethical Research and Organizational Integrity
June 03, 2009
Organizations, particularly Catholic hospitals, schools and social service agencies, should re-examine their relationships to health and medical charities promoting unethical research such as human embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning. Part 6 of the Ethical and Religious Directives provides a helpful framework for ethical analysis and action.
Ethics in Vaccine Development & Production: Transforming Health Care
June 03, 2009
Immunization efforts in the USA are being challenged for several reasons, including new ethical questions. Responding appropriately to the fact that several common vaccines rely on cell lines derived from elective abortions can provide an occasion for Catholic health care institutions and providers to transform medical practice and research.
