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The rapid pace of advances in biomedical research has generated a lively public discussion on the morality of embryonic stem cell research and human cloning. Nearly every mainstream religious group that has officially taken a position on human cloning for reproductive purposes has condemned it, but the response of religious communities to stem cell research has been mixed. The Catholic Church and many evangelical Protestant groups have called for a ban on all embryonic stem cell research, saying it is an assault on innocent human life. Most mainline Christian churches and Jewish groups, on the other hand, favor embryonic stem cell research, pointing to potential cures for medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease, cancer, diabetes and heart disease.



July 17, 2008
Special Report: Embryonic Stem Cell Research

science

 

Overview: Stem Cell Research at the Crossroads of Religion and Politics

Embryonic stem cell research, which uses cells found in three- to five-day-old human embryos to seek cures for a host of chronic diseases, has sparked a major debate in the United States.

science   The Science Behind Stem Cell Research
Stem cells, the "building blocks of nature," can transform into any other type of cell in the body.
stem cell public opinion   Declining Majority of Americans Support Stem Cell Research
A majority of the American public still favors embryonic stem cell research.
Moreno Levin   Two Perspectives on Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Arguments for and against stem cell research.

death penalty public opinion   Religious Groups' Official Positions on Stem Cell Research
A breakdown of 17 major religious groups' views on the issue.
RP08 logo   Compare Candidates on Stem Cell Research
Religion & Politics '08 offers a comparison of each candidate's stance on stem cell research.

globe   Stem Cell Research Around the World
The U.S. is only one of many countries playing an important role in stem cell research.

Photo Credits: Stained glass: Randy Faris/Corbis; Cells: Rawlins - CMSP/Getty Images; Science: Stateline.org; Religious symbols: Sébastien Désarmaux/Corbis


Resource Pages:
Abortion

End-of-Life Issues
Religion and Science


Pew Forum Resources on Bioethics

Transcripts

Religion and Science: Conflict or Harmony?
May 4, 2009

The Case Against Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Interview with Yuval Levin
July 17, 2008

The Case For Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Interview with Jonathan Moreno
July 17, 2008

How Our Brains are Wired for Belief
May 5, 2008

The 'Evidence for Belief': An Interview with Francis Collins
April 17, 2008

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An Overview of Religion and Science in the United States
November 2009

Public Opinion on Religion and Science in the United States
November 2009

Scientists and Belief
November 2009

Graphic: Abortion Views by Religious Affiliation
January 2009

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