Examining bioethics, morality, and culture from a distinctively orthodox Lutheran perspective. Site dedicated to the Holy Family.
Posted in Uncategorized on Sep 22nd, 2009
By proclamation of Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger (California) and Jim Doyle (Wisconsin), and Mayors Gavin Newsom (San Francisco) and Jerry Sanders (San Diego), September 23 is “Stem Cell Awareness Day.” It is a good day to rejoice that we all began our earthly journey as embryonic stem cells, give thanks for the medical advancement and proven [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Jul 21st, 2009
Perhaps so, according to this piece from Reuters. iPSCs are induced pluripotent stem cells, which are made from adult cells yet behave like embryonic stem cells. iPSCs do not require the destruction of embryos and, since they are the patient’s own cells, are not likely to be rejected.
Ordinary cells reprogrammed to act like embryonic stem [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Jun 25th, 2009
You can read Ms. Somerville’s clear and compelling treatment of the ESCR (embryonic stem cell research) issue here.
Posted in Uncategorized on May 27th, 2009
David Prentice at the Family Research Council is finding more and more publications discussing iPSCs (induced pluripotent stem cells; these are reprogramed adult cells), versus ESCs (embryonic stem cells, or cells taken from human embryos, typically blastocysts, in which the tiny human is destroyed).
More news, and good news, indeed.
Notes Prentice,
iPS cells fulfill the desire to [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Apr 24th, 2009
Reports Reuters,
Researchers have developed a new way to make embryonic-like stem cells by soaking them in genetically engineered proteins, a new step toward using ordinary cells to treat disease.
An international team led by the Scripps Research Institute in California said on Thursday it is the safest method yet found to transform ordinary skin cells into [...]
Neurobiologist Dr. Maureen L. Condic’s April 16 “Does Research Really Need Human Embryos and Cloning?” in The Daily Beast is a must read. Here’s an excerpt:
Claim: Human embryonic stem-cell research involves only embryos that will be discarded by fertility clinics.
False. Human-embryo cloning is the endgame. HESC proponents are now advocating for tax funding of [...]
Posted in Uncategorized on Apr 15th, 2009
According to this report from the April 13 edition of USA Today, former US Vice President Al Gore is backing a venture to produce iPSC, induced pluripotent stem cells, that do not require the sacrifice of living human embryos. Says Gore,
I just think it’s a very important breakthrough that is filled with promise and hope,” [...]
Bill, a poster at GetReligion.org has responded to my second post regarding embryonic stem cell research. Fearing that our playful repartee might be cut off by the GR powers that be, Bill was kind enough to post here at Bioethike (see Bill’s comment under previous post). Privately, I’ve promised Bill a response. Here goes:
Bill: Robert, I think [...]
The Reverend Robert C. Baker, B.B.A, M.Div., is an ordained pastor in The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod, and serves the Church as an editor at the denomination's publishing house. He is currently pursuing an M.S. degree in Health Care Ethics at Creighton University. He is the author of What Happened To Merry Christmas? and How Do You Start a Fire with Water? and has authored or edited numerous Bible studies and books.