2007 National Colloquium for Catholic Bioethicists: 28-31 January

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and the Victorian Branch of the Australian Association of the Order of Malta
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Pray for the Senate as they debate on therapeutic cloning

The Senate is debating, and will soon vote, concerning "therapeutic" cloning. Our Archbishop Denis Hart is calling on us to take action and make ourselves heard:

“The present Bills go much further. They will permit a new class of human embryos to be created, not for reproduction, but for research.” “The argument against the creation of human embryos for experimentation is drawn from basic human values; they are not specifically Catholic arguments. Whilst we all wish to alleviate human suffering, and research is a most important part of that effort, we cannot seek to achieve that by creating and killing human life.” Archbishop Hart emphasised that “There had been no significant scientific developments to justify this legislation. There is no evidence that human cloning will produce the breakthrough products its supporters claim.” “The Catholic Church”, he added “fully supports stem cell research based on adult stem cells, and on those derived from umbilical cord blood.”

As to the latter, we must all be aware of what media and politicians have been deafeningly silent about: while 72 successful human treatments come from adult stem cell research, embryonic stem cell research has achieved NONE. Right to Life Australia is also alerting all voters to action.

Update: We all know that the Senate voted to overturn the ban on therapeutic cloning. We must now pray for the lower house, and the prime minister, as the debate (the the subsequent vote) to overturn the ban goes to them, perhaps by 27 November. Also, please visit Right to Life Australia and see how you can help defend lives and the dignity of human life.

Catholics on Campus Leaflet for 2007