Grassroots Pro-Lifers Must Strongly Oppose the Expansion of Embryonic Stem Cell Research in MI
By Andrew Shirvell, Section News
RIGHT MICHIGAN
Posted on Thu Oct 11, 2007 at 12:29:25 AM EST
The in-house educational campaign is seen as a precursor to what will take place in the larger public arena if and when, as expected, a pro-embryonic stem cell research petition initiative develops in the coming months and places the issue squarely before Michigan voters in November 2008.
The MCC and RTL of MI are correct to start with educating and motivating their own membership on this crucial moral issue, which has many political implications.
The truth is that many pro-life politicos have been far from faithful in opposing the destruction of human embryos for research purposes. Moreover, misleading polling questions give the impression that there is a huge amount of public support for embryonic research/experiment
Yet, there is one major problem that the stem cell debate inherently causes for those trying to rally the troops against embryonic stem cell research, which is that it tends to be much, much less of an emotionally- As a true believing pro-lifer, I know in my heart that opposing embryonic stem cell research is just as important as opposing the daily slaughter that takes place in the abortion mills, since tiny, microscopic embryos in a Petri dish are just as much human beings as those unborn children with heartbeats and brain activity who are further developed and live in their mothers' wombs. But it is true that, if given a choice, I will probably spend a greater amount of my time advocating against abortion than against embryonic stem cell research. I suspect that many of my fellow Michigan pro-lifers would agree with me. Nevertheless, I think the leadership of RTL of MI and the MCC can motivate the pro-life grassroots to get as passionate about protecting human embryonic life (in a Petri dish) as we have been concerning unborn life in the womb. In fact, a recent RTL of MI mailing piece from long-time president Barbara Listing identifies who the opposition is and likens it to the arch-enemy of abortion opponents: "Universities, various members of the academia, hospitals, health care systems, independent laboratories, researchers of all stripes, and politicians representing both major political parties have formed an unholy alliance hellbent on destroying innocent human life all in the name of research." . . . "This debate is nothing new. It is as old as time itself. It's all about lies and deception in pursuit of the almighty dollar! Come to think of it. . .those are the identical motives behind the abortion industry. Now, isn't that a coincidence? It sure isn't. And neither is it a coincidence that RTL of MI's strategy in mobilizing its supporters against the expansion of embryonic stem cell research is, in part, to compare this relatively new fight to the long-time struggle to end the abortion holocaust. Well, I think this strategy can work. I know that hearing about the evil of embryonic stem cell research at Mass this past Sunday - Respect Life Sunday - as well as reading about it in the parish bulletin and receiving several informational pieces in the mail over the past few days has me more motivated to fight the potential expansion of embryonic stem cell research here in Michigan. This week's column is your evidence for that last assertion. P.S. To find out more about adult versus embryonic stem cell research, including what the current Michigan laws are concerning both forms of research, please see: http://www.stemcell About the author: Andrew Shirvell, Esq., is a pro-life citizen activist who writes a weekly column that is published every Thursday for RightMichigan.
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