More MS news articles for July 2001

Embryonic Stem-Cell Research Violates the Nuremberg Code, Says Concerned Women for America

http://www.usnewswire.com/topnews/Current_Releases/0717-114.html

U.S. Newswire
17 Jul 12:26

WASHINGTON, July 17 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Embryonic stem-cell research, which destroys a human being, violates The Nuremberg Code, an ethical framework used to govern human research. The Nuremberg Code was formed after the atrocities committed in the name of science in Nazi Germany. The primary principle in the Nuremberg Code states, "Voluntary consent is absolutely essential." The Code also prohibits experimentation that causes injury, disability or a person's death. Both principles are violated in embryonic stem-cell research.

"The rules of ethical research were established in order to protect political outcasts," said Wendy Wright. "But these standards have been ignored in the debate over research on the tiniest and most vulnerable individuals in the human race."

Concerned Women for America insists that federal funding not be extended for any human experimentation that knowingly causes a person's death and is educating the American people that embryonic stem-cell research is unethical and unnecessary.

Life begins at conception.

The spark of life begins when a mother's egg and a father's sperm unite, which creates the genetic code for a new and unique human being. This is the scientifically proven definition of the beginning of life that is only questioned when it becomes inconvenient.

Embryos are human beings who deserve a chance to live.

Embryos created by in-vitro fertilization are not "excess" but orphans waiting to be adopted. Families of children adopted as embryos testified July 17, 2001 before the House Government Reform Committee. Two-year-old Hannah Strege and 9-month-old twins Mark and Luke Borden, now growing up in loving families, were once frozen embryos waiting for adoptive parents.

Adult stem-cell research provides proven results

Successful clinical trials have shown adult stem cells can provide cures for a wide range of diseases. Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systematic lupus, vision problems and other maladies have been successfully treated with adult stem-cell therapies. Researchers in a British Medical Journal study stated there were "fewer biological problems" treating diabetes with adult stem cells rather than embryonic ones. Adult stem cells avoid the serious risks of donor rejection, and no one is deliberately killed.

Contact: Rebecca L. Riggs of Concerned Women for America
202-488-7000

Concerned Women for America is the nation's largest public policy women's organization.