Judge Halts Federal Funding For Embryonic Stem Cell Research; Such Research Consistent With Christian Ethics

The decision by a U.S. district judge to grant a preliminary injunction that prohibits the use of federal funding on embryonic stem cell research is unfortunate. Support for such research has divided some in the faith community but many believe the research to be consistent with Christian ethics. The United Church of Christ adopted a resolution in 2001 in favor of federal funding of embryonic stem cell research under the rational that “Jesus set an example, by his ministry of healing and caring for the sick and disabled, challenging us to follow his example by supporting the healing and caring ministry in our own day.” President Obama last year overturned a ban on such research imposed by then-President George W. Bush early in his first term. Embryonic stem cell research has the potential to unlock cures for conditions like “diabetes, spinal cord paralysis, heart disease, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, cancer, MS [multiple sclerosis], Lou Gehrig's disease and other fatal, debilitating diseases," said Jim Ramstad, a Minnesota Republican U.S. House member during Bush's tenure. Many conservative "pro-life" leaders in Congress, such as Orrin Hatch, support embryonic stem cell research. It is important that the research move forward and that the legal challenges be dispensed with quickly.