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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Vatican Condemns Obama Stem-Cell Decision

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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
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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15 comments
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Collusive
Mar 10, 09 3:32 PM CDT
And everyone who isn't Catholic condemns the Vatican... Reply
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Thinker
Mar 10, 09 3:43 PM CDT
Moral values of the Catholic Church? They wanted to allow a nine-year old rape victim to die in childbirth rather than abort the fetus twins her stepfather put inside her. Instead, they excommunicated the people who saved the nine-year old victim, and let the rapist stepfather keep his membership. Moral values? Who in their right mind would EVER listen to the church? Reply
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woody66
Mar 10, 09 5:20 PM CDT
Particularly under this pope who has so much time for those denying the holocaust. It's a very strange world we live in ........... Reply
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SPH
Mar 10, 09 5:29 PM CDT
The Pope is infallible....Just ask him..... Reply
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MrBisme
Mar 10, 09 6:44 PM CDT
Wow, such dismissive comments on a topic that actually has a solid backing. This isn't even a religious issue; it's simply a matter of the definition of life. The latest law on the books is that murder of a pregnant woman is a double homicide. This indicates recognition of the embryo being a viable life. Embryonic stem cell research that destroys viable fertilized eggs is, under the same definition, homicide. It's not a big stretch. All I'm saying is that if abortion and stem cell research is to be legal, make it consistent by repealing the double homicide law. The Catholic Church makes many hard line decisions that may or may not align with your beliefs. This particular stance is consistent with most Judeo-Christian religions. Reply
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