"Embryonic stem cell research kills real people, and real scientists understand this," said Father Joseph Howard, executive director of the American Bioethics Advisory Commission (an American Life League division), on today's publication of a full-page ad in The Washington Times.
(Click here to view the ad in PDF format.)
"No truly pro-life politician would allow such killing to take place," he said.
The purpose of the ad is to educate the American public about the scientific fact that personhood begins at fertilization/conception. The ad reads, "Remove stem cells from embryos and real persons really die." It features "Tommy Thompson, DHHS Secretary, embryonic person, 1941," and 15 lawmakers who support experimentation which involves killing embryonic persons.
"As famous people often do," the ad continues, "they've forgotten where they came from. Because all of them were once embryonic persons. And all would have died anonymous deaths had their stem cells been removed."
The statement is endorsed by the ABAC's 15-member board, comprised of scientists, embryologists, MDs, OBGYNs and lawyers who provide the following statement:
"We find the scientific evidence irrefutable in proving that human embryos are living persons and that removing their stem cells is nothing less than a deliberate act of taking a human life. We urge President Bush to follow good science, reject bad counsel and to protect all human persons at every stage of life."
Release issued: 9 Jul 01
