During the gubernatorial race of 2006, NYS voters were promised a bond act that would have allowed them to vote in support of or opposition to stem cell research that requires the destruction of human embryos. Over 14,000 parishioners from the Diocese of Rochester signed a petition encouraging the governmental leaders in New York State to foster development of ethical stem cell research that is already providing treatment to patients and that does not involve the destruction of human life.

The voters, however, were subsequently denied an opportunity to voice their wishes when, in 2007, the Empire State Stem Cell board was created in a budget agreement. $600 million of NYS taxpayer funds are currently dedicated for stem cell research involving the destruction of human embryos; human cloning for research and the creation of human/animal hybrid embryos.

The Catholic Church teaches that human life is a gift from God; that we are created in the image and likeness of God; that there is special  dignity conferred on each human being by God and that each of us is called  to treat every human life with respect.  The deliberate destruction of human lives for the use by others can never be justified. 

Ethical stem cell research using cells from consenting donors; the by-products of childbirth and that can be created from tissue cells has already begun to provide medicine and cures for some of humanity’s most devastating illnesses and injuries.  The Catholic church supports this research and encourages expanded  investment  in this promising medicine.  If state  funds are misdirected, all new Yorkers suffer.

To learn how to influence the government processes that will determine how the $600 million will be spent and to learn about the science and ethics of stem cell research, please contact Jann Armantrout, Diocesan Life Issues Coordinator, at 585.328.3210 or Armantrout@dor. org