PRESS RELEASE

Release Date: July 27, 2004

Ron Reagan Misguided on Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Cloning

Chicago, Illinois - July 27, 2004 - Tonight, Ron Reagan, Jr. addressed the Democratic National Convention promoting research on stem cells taken from living human embryos.

In his remarks, Reagan said, "We may be able to put an end to...suffering. We only need to try." He also described the way this research will work is by cloning human beings.

President of The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity John Kilner, Ph.D. responded, "History is littered with misguided attempts to relieve suffering by cutting ethical corners. All that Ron Reagan advocated can be achieved through adult stem cell research. But he amazingly never mentioned adult stem cells. Instead, his misleading language covered up the fact that producing the cells he seeks requires cloning human beings and then destroying them. Cloning and killing are too high an ethical price to pay, particularly when there is another safe way to develop the same cures."

Daniel McConchie, Director of Public Relations and Public Policy at The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity said, "The federal government is spending about $28 million on embryonic stem cell research this year and the Administration is proposing to add another $18 million. More money would better be spent on adult stem cell research where 45 diseases are currently being treated and new treatments are on the way. Embryonic stem cell research has yet to be used as a treatment in even one disease. We should prioritize spending limited taxpayer dollars on research that is getting real results."

It is important to note the connection here between cloning and embryonic stem cell research, since a majority of Americans oppose creating cloned human embryos even for this purpose. Adult stem cell research can often use stem cells from a person's own body achieving a genetic match without using ethically controversial methods.

Reporters: For Interviews

For reporters wanting interviews with John F. Kilner or Daniel McConchie, please call The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity at 847-317-8180.

About The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity

The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity is a 501(c) 3 non-profit think tank located in Chicago, Illinois. Its mission is to develop reasoned perspectives on all of today's bioethical issues and to disseminate them to health care professionals, academia, cultural and church leaders, public policy makers, and the media in order to protect human dignity. CBHD

Copyright 2004 by The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity

The contents of this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CBHD, its staff, board or supporters. Permission to reprint granted as long as The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity and the web address for this article is referenced.