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Vatican Condemns Obama Stem-Cell Decision

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 10, 2009 3:18 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The Vatican is in a tizzy over President Obama’s decision to lift the federal ban on embryonic stem-cell research, the AP reports. A top official called it a “victory of politics over ethics” and said that “probably some drug companies, or some economic interests” influenced the move. Both the Vatican’s newspaper and the US Bishops Conference have criticized yesterday's decision.

L’Osservatore Romano ran an article today reiterating the Church’s position on the sanctity of all life, saying it is “the basis of a real democracy, capable of recognizing the equality of all men and of avoiding any unjust discrimination based on their development or health.” As he ended it yesterday, Obama said the ban encouraged “a false choice between sound science and moral values.”

A frozen vial of human embryonic stem cells.
A frozen vial of human embryonic stem cells.   (AP Photo)
Growth medium is added to a dish where stem cells are grown.
Growth medium is added to a dish where stem cells are grown.   (AP Photo)
President Barack Obama speaks prior to signing an Executive Order on stem cells.
President Barack Obama speaks prior to signing an Executive Order on stem cells.   (AP Photo)
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his address to people gathered at Rome's City Hall.
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his address to people gathered at Rome's City Hall.   (AP Photo)
Pope Benedict XVI, at center, meets participants of a Vatican conference on the New Frontiers of Genetics and the Risk of Eugenics.
Pope Benedict XVI, at center, meets participants of a Vatican conference on the "New Frontiers of Genetics and the Risk of Eugenics."   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
Guest
Mar 11, 2009 7:57 AM CDT
But you also have to think about who is making the decision in each of these cases. Homicide is obvious, the real question is how much control a woman should have over her body and offspring. Should she be able to make the decision or should someone else use coercive force in controlling her?
Guest
Mar 11, 2009 7:53 AM CDT
YEah, but isnt it great that it doesnt even matter what the fuck the Vatican thinks?
Guest
Mar 11, 2009 4:41 AM CDT
Really, who cares what the Vatican thinks about American policy on science. Obama is right on this one and the Pope can think what he wants as long as he tells Catholics that they can not benefit from any therapies developed with stem cells.

Calif. biotechs see nothing to criticize
San Francisco Chronicle

On the lifting of the ban, and reaction
BBC

US • Science • World

 
stem cell research • Pope Benedict XVI • Vatican • human embryos • Roman Catholic Church • US Conference of Catholic Bishops • President Obama • sanctity • Bill Maher Grid

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