Rabbis Support Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative
The Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative which has been voted unanimously by the St. Louis Rabbinical Association, would “ensure Missouri patients have access to any therapies and cures, and allow Missouri researchers to conduct any research, permitted under federal law; ban human cloning or attempted cloning; require expert medical and public oversight and annual reports on the nature and purpose of stem cell research; impose criminal and civil penalties for any violations; and prohibit state or local governments from preventing or discouraging lawful stem cell research, therapies and cures.”
The Rabbinical Association’s resolution in support of the initiative states:
“We the St. Louis Rabbinical Association, a non-profit professional organization with member rabbis from all Judaic movements, hereby proclaim our support for the Missouri Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative, which clearly protects the right of Missouri patients to have their diseases and injuries treated with any stem cell interventions that are allowed by federal law and available to other Americans … Whereas, all branches of Judaism have come forward in public statements to support all forms of stem cell research and specifically SCNT and embryonic stem cell research and to develop responsible regulations to safeguard against potential scientific abuse; and, Whereas, Jewish tradition and Jewish law command us to treat and care for the ill and to defeat disease wherever possible and affirms that an undifferentiated blastocyst (early embryo) not yet implanted in the womb does not enjoy the status of personhood and its attendant protections.”
Rabbi Mark Shook of Temple Israel, a member of the Rabbinical Association, said ethical questions raised by bio-medical research are worthy of study and discussion, but that theological questions are another matter entirely.
The partial list on the website of the Missouri Coalition for Lifesaving Cures of more than 50,000 members, lists under civic, business, community and faith leaders, Lynn Lyss, past president of the Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis; Robert A. Cohn, editor in chief emeritus of the St. Louis Jewish Light; Rabbi Mark Fasman of Shaare Zedek; Rabbi Jeffrey Stiffman, rabbi emeritus of Congregation Shaare Emeth; Rabbi Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation; and Rabbi Joshua Taub of Temple Emanuel.
October 9th, 2006 at 5:36 pm
This SCNT is Cloning and always will be. Look up the words in a medical dictionary and see what it says. Tellthe Truth about this and do not try and twist the words lets be truthful and tell everyone that Adult stem cells have been proven but embryonic is a total disaster and that it only is more money that is wanted from our taxes.