Immorality of stem cell science

HUMAN LIVES cannot be saved at the expense of other human life, the Pope has warned scientists.
Speaking last Monday at a meeting with members of the Pontifical Academy of Social Science, the Pope said there was a "moral contradiction" in embryonic stem cell research — saving human lives from diseases by destroying other human lives in early phases of their existence.
The academy, which is celebrating its 400th anniversary, is analysing the scientific and bioethical implications of alternative stem cell technology and other therapies which the Vatican supports.
John Paul II said: "Research in this field has understandably grown in importance in recent years because of the hope it offers for the cure of ills affecting many people.
"I have on other occasions stated that stem cells for purposes of experimentation or treatment cannot come from human embryo tissue.
"I have instead encouraged research on adult human tissue or tissue superfluous to normal foetal development.
"Any treatment which claims to save human lives yet is based upon the destruction of human life in its embryonic state is logically and morally contradictory, as is any production of human embryos for the direct or rect purpose of experimentation or eventual destruction," he said.