Stem cell breakthrough

The New York State Catholic Conference hailed the breakthrough announced by stem cell researchers from Wisconsin and Japan that allows the creation of embryonic-like stem cells by reprogramming mature human cells, rather than destroying human embryos. The Conference urged the state government to pursue this research with the public funds earmarked in the New York State budget for stem cell research. Kathleen M. Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the Catholic Conference, said:

Today marks the dawn of a new age for ethical scientific research and discovery. This breakthrough announced in two scientific journals appears to solve the ethical dilemmas of embryonic stem cell research and human cloning by eliminating the need for them. Instead, by simply adding four genes to an existing skin cell, the cell can be reprogrammed as a ‘pluripotent’ stem cell. The process appears to be easier, more cost efficient, scientifically promising and morally untroubling.

The entire statement is available here.