Provincial Convention 2009: Special Presentation Introduction

Cutting Through the Spin on Stem Cells and Cloning

This morning, I would like to introduce the DVD, Cutting Through the Spin on Stem Cells and Cloning.

Rev. Dr. Tad Pacholczyk (Po ho chick) is a priest in Massachusetts. He has degrees in philosophy, biochemistry, molecular cell biology and chemistry. He also did laboratory research on hormonal regulation of the immune response. He has a PhD in neuroscience from Yale University, where he focused on cloning genes for neurotransmitter transporters which are expressed in the brain. He also worked for several years as a molecular biologist.

Fr. Tad studied in Rome where he did advanced work in dogmatic theology and in bioethics examining the question of delayed ensoulment of the human embryo.

Fr. Tad has given numerous presentations on stem cell research and cloning. His column appears in the BC Catholic.

In 2002, the CWL passed Resolution 02.09 on Human Stem Cell Research. Part of the action plan was to become aware of stem cell research and the importance of using human adult stem cells.

In 2003, The CWL published a position paper on The Use of Stem Cells for Research Purposes. The paper strongly supports the ethical use of adult stem cells for research purposes and asks the federal government to protect the embryo, the earliest beginnings of human life, by prohibiting research on human embryonic stem cells.

Stem cell research has been in the news recently especially in the United States.

On March 9th, President Obama signed an executive order repealing a Bush era policy that limited federal tax dollars for embryonic stem cell research. The 2001 order barred the National Institute of Health from funding research on embryonic stem cells beyond using 60 cell lines that existed at that time.

On May 19th at Notre Dame University, a Catholic University in the USA, President Barack Obama said at a graduation ceremony, “Those who speak out against stem cell research may be rooted in admirable convictions about the sacredness of life, but so are the parent of a child with juvenile diabetes who are convinced that their son’s or daughter’s hardships can be relieved”.

What is the law in Canada on stem cell research and human cloning?

In Canada, the Assisted Human Reproduction Act that was adopted in 2004 for bids all forms of human cloning for any reason. However, the Act allows both adult and embryonic stem cell research, and both types are eligible for federal funding. Canada allows embryonic stem cell research, but does not allow embryos to be created solely to be used for this research. It is also illegal to buy or sell human embryos, sperm, ova, human DNA, and other cells that are intended for human reproduction, or to advertise the sale of human embryos.

Scientists can thus obtain embryonic stem cells only from “spare” embryos that were originally created for artificial reproduction, but were later donated by their parents for scientific research, or from aborted fetuses, as long as the mother consents to both the abortion and to the stem cell extraction.

In the DVD, Fr. Tad explores the myths around stem cell research and cloning, explaining what is morally acceptable and what is not ethically acceptable.

Keep in mind as you watch the presentation what the situation is in Canada, what the CWL has asked the Federal Government to do and what can you do?

After the DVD, Fr. Tran will answer questions regarding cloning and stem cell research.