Bioethics
Updated July 17, 2008
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.
Special Report: Embryonic Stem Cell Research
| Overview: Stem Cell Research at the Crossroads of Religion and PoliticsEmbryonic 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. |
 | The Science Behind Stem Cell Research Stem cells, the "building blocks of nature," can transform into any other type of cell in the body. |  |
Declining Majority of Americans Support Stem Cell Research A majority of the American public still favors embryonic stem cell research. |
 | Two Perspectives on Embryonic Stem Cell Research Arguments for and against stem cell research. |
 | Religious Groups' Official Positions on Stem Cell Research A breakdown of 17 major religious groups' views on the issue. |
 | Compare Candidates on Stem Cell Research Religion & Politics '08 offers a comparison of each candidate's stance on stem cell research. |
 | 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
Pew Forum Resources on Bioethics
TranscriptsThe Case Against Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Interview with Yuval Levin The Case For Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Interview with Jonathan Moreno How Our Brains are Wired for Belief The 'Evidence for Belief': An Interview with Francis Collins Oregon's 'Death with Dignity' Law: 10 Years Later |
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PublicationsA Slight but Steady Majority Favors Keeping Abortion Legal Special Report: Embryonic Stem Cell Research The Science Behind Stem Cell Research Declining Majority of Americans Favor Embryonic Stem Cell Research |
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Religion NewsDemocrats weigh options to bolster stem cell research Wash. prison doctor resigns over executions 2008 could be turning point on disease Other ResourcesGeneral Information |
