385. Embryo research

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 385

Ave Maria series

Can experiments be performed on living embryos and embryonic stem cells?

No.  Embryos are human beings, because human life begins with the fusion of a sperm cell and an egg.  [2275, 2323]

…..Fighting for Calib by Ashleigh Moon: “Calib is now 11 years old and perfect! He has absolutely nothing wrong with him. Our little “blob of tissue” is the center of our family and living miracle. He is our daily reminder that no man knows what God does. I thank God every day that we chose life! Caleb is an amazing little guy that to a genetic specialist was replaceable. He is a drummer at our church, learning guitar, a friend, a brother, my son, a daddy’s boy, a sweetheart, and his story is impacting hundreds of people. Life is the only choice! I often think of all the Caleb’s the world is missing out on. Our little Caleb is a miracle and we thank God for His blessing every day! God Bless!!!”--March for Life 2019….. 385

Regarding embryos as biological material, “producing” them and then “using” their stem cells for purposes of research is absolutely immoral and falls under the commandment “You shall not kill.”  Research on adult stem cells is a different matter, since they cannot develop into human beings.  Medical interventions on an embryo are justifiable only if they are made with the intention of healing, if the life and unimpaired development of the child are assured, and if the risks involved are not disproportionately great.  292

“The diagnosis of disability in the unborn child cannot be a reason for abortion, because life with such a disability is also desired and appreciated by God, and here on earth no one can ever be sure that he or she will live without physical or spiritual limitations.”  Pope Benedict XVIl, September 28, 2006

[2275, 2323]

Abortion

2275 "One must hold as licit procedures carried out on the human embryo which respect the life and integrity of the embryo and do not involve disproportionate risks for it, but are directed toward its healing the improvement of its condition of health, or its individual survival." (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Donum vitae I,3.)⁸³ –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

"It is immoral to produce human embryos intended for exploitation as disposable biological material." (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Donum vitae I,5.)⁸⁴–CCC

"Certain attempts to influence chromosomic or genetic inheritance are not therapeutic but are aimed at producing human beings selected according to sex or other predetermined qualities. Such manipulations are contrary to the personal dignity of the human being and his integrity and identity" (Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Donum vitae I,6.)⁸⁵ which are unique and unrepeatable.---CCC

IN BRIEF

2323 Because it should be treated as a person from conception, the embryo must be defended in its integrity, cared for, and healed like every other human being. –CCC

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