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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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Press Release |
.....October 13, 2005..... |
GPPC Report Ignores its Own Irony: Values are Vital in the Embryonic Stem Cell Research DebateChicago, Illinois - October 13, 2005 -A report released today by The Genetics and Public Policy Center, summarizing the responses of the 2212 people who successfully participated in a survey on embryonic stem cell (ESC) research, assumes the importance of values in the public square today. Included in the report, Values in Conflict: Public Attitudes on Embryonic Stem Cell Research, are questions regarding the moral status of embryos and whether it is important to protect them, even if the research could contribute to the development of new medicines. According to the conclusion of the survey, public opinion on ESC research “bears little resemblance to the polarized, deep moral divide expressed on the floor of the Congress and in the op-ed pages of American newspapers.” According to the mission of the GPPC, the results of this survey are to be used as a tool for decision makers in both the ‘private and public sectors.’ “It is clear that the divide on the issues is not necessarily science vs. faith, fact vs. value, but rather it is truly a conflict of values. You cannot have ethical debate without values” said Dr. Andrew Fergusson, president of The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. “The Center believes that it is wrong to destroy embryos for research and that science and faith support our position.” After reviewing a definition of ESC research, two-thirds of the successful survey participants indicated their approval of the research. No significant difference was observed by race or ethnicity, but women were more likely than men to disapprove or strongly disapprove of ESC research. For Interviews with Center PersonnelContact Sarah Flashing, Director of Public Relations, at 847-317-4097, or by email at sflashing@cbhd.org About The Center for Bioethics and Human DignityThe Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity is a 501(c)(3) non-profit international center located just north of Chicago, Illinois. Its mission is to protect human dignity by developing 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.CBHD |
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Copyright 2005 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. |
