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NRL News
Michigan
Catholic Conference Educates on In an unprecedented statewide education campaign, the Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC) will reach 500,000 Catholic homes and almost 800 parishes with the truth about adult and embryonic stem cell research. The education campaign is a response to a proposed petition drive that would put a measure on Michigan’s 2008 ballot to allow researchers to kill tiny human beings for their embryonic stem cells, according to the Grand Rapids Press. MCC’s campaign stresses the differences between the two types of stem cell research: the immorality and failures of embryonic research and the morality and successes of adult cells. “Medical science, along with people from different faith and political backgrounds, has recognized that human cloning and the destruction of living embryos for research purposes may not be the most promising way to move forward with stem cell research,” MCC Vice President for Public Policy Paul A. Long said in a press release. “Yet because of the great deal of attention given to unproven embryo destructive research, partly through misinformation and even deceit, necessary funding for and the promotion of adult stem cell research have been nearly non-existent. “Many people are unaware that adult stem cells are located throughout the human body and are providing treatments, even cures, without harming the donor person.” The conference has sent a letter signed by the state’s Catholic bishops, a 12-minute DVD, and a brochure that stresses support for adult stem cell research to all registered Catholic homes in Michigan. Parish priests were encouraged to speak about stem cell research from the pulpit on Respect Life Sunday, October 7. “There is a perception the church is opposed to stem-cell research, and that’s totally not true,” Grand Rapids Bishop Walter Hurley told the Press. “There is no question about the commitment of the church to stem-cell research using adult stem cells.” |