That They Might Have Life
May 18, 2009
Yesterday at The University of Notre Dame, our president made the following statement:
“Those who speak out against stem cell research may be rooted in admirable conviction about the sacredness of life, but so are the parents of a child with juvenile diabetes who are convinced that their son’s or daughter’s hardships can be relieved.”
Let’s be clear; there is no conflict here. Yes I have conviction about the sacredness of life and yes I have two children with juvenile (type 1) diabetes. I am not opposed to stem cell research and that view does not at all conflict with my Catholic faith. The Catholic Church is in fact very much in favor of stem cell research. Stem cell research shows much promise and we do indeed hope for a cure.
Where the problem lies, Mr. Obama, is in embryonic stem cell research. Research done with stem cells taken from unborn babies. Research done for the “greater good” on the backs of the most vulnerable persons in society. That, I most certainly have a problem with and frankly so should you –so should all of us! Embryonic stem cell research is immoral, unethical and downright horrific!
And you know what? It doesn’t even work. Embryonic stem cells have not been successfully used in even one medical procedure while adult and placental/umbilical cord blood stem cell research has resulted in thousands of successful medical procedures. How’s that for irony? What Mr. Obama and those like him seek to convince us is “acceptable” isn’t even successful!
Pope John Paul II was a tireless and vocal advocate for life and he warned us of the culture of death we were becoming. Today would have been his 89th birthday –let us pray for his intercession so that we may indeed become a culture of life.
“God did not make death, and he does not delight in the death of the living. For he has created all things that they might exist…” Wisdom 1:13-14
Copyright © 2009 Michele Quigley All rights reserved.
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11 Responses to That they might have life . . .
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Joe G says:
I thank you for your words regarding stem cells. Much of what President Obama offered and what was debated around town was abortion related. Not to sidestep, but your awareness regarding the truth around adult and embryonic stem cell research is refreshing and well said.
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Joy says:
Well said Michelle. I am afraid that many people do not know the difference between the two types of research. Honestly, I did not until about four or so years ago.
Praying with you that we would “become a culture of life”…I love how you put that.
(Total aside, but I just recently found your blog (I think through Elizabeth Foss, come to think of it) and I’ve really been enjoying it and poking through your archives. So much good stuff here. And I am praying for your kiddos and the diabetes. How scary that must have been! My best friend has had type 1 her entire life, and I remember growing up with her and all the things that we ‘did differently’ so that she would not miss out. )
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Erin P says:
Agreed. Instead of pushing for pro-life people to be “ok with” embryonic research- why not press the companies that store chord blood to make it affordable. A lot of my birth clients have opted for chord blood banking, but it is a disgusting fee (IMO) to store those cells, which excludes Jane Q. Public from affording it. I feel that a lot more people would store their chord blood if it weren’t so bloody (no pun) expensive. With my (Catholic) aunt recently diagnosed with early-onset Parkinsons, I’d like to contribute my next child’s chord blood to society…
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Susan (Taffy) says:
Totally agree! Well said and praying right along with you, for your country, mine and the whole world.
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Therese says:
Totally agree. It is great to see other parents that suffer day to day with this disease are actually saying no that President Obama is wrong on this.
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Leticia Velasquez says:
Dr James Sherley worked at MIT until he refused to use embryonic stem cells. He said that Europeans know the only thing they grow is cancer. American companies only want the funding to delve into their real objective: cloning.
So far Adult Stem Cells have cured 73 diseases, and it is distressing Michelle to see such appalling ignorance at one of “America’s leading Catholic Universities”. It shows you how idealogical Notre Dame is, and that we need to send our children elsewhere.
Well said and ditto.