Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Y-LIFE members attend CT Right to Life Conference
Five Y-LIFE members attended the CT Right to Life Conference in Cromwell on Saturday, May 21st. Steven Mosher from the Population Research Institute (PRI) gave an awesome presentation about the myths of an overpopulated world and also forced abortions in China. You can check out the PRI website at http://www.pop.org/.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Welcome Jasper Liggio
We would like to welcome Jasper Liggio, the new president of Holy Apostles Life League. We look forward to working with Jasper on the details of the 2011 conference. A big "thank you" goes out to Scott McKee for all of his help at the first two Y-LIFE/Holy Apostles conferences.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Fall Conference 2011
Keep an eye on this blog for new info concerning the 2011 Y-Life conference to be held in the fall!
Both Sides of the Debate on Embryonic Stem Cell Reseach Part 2
If you haven't read part 1, click here.
Science has made many important advances over the last 50 years. Some of the most important of these advances are in the field of stem cell research. However, studies in the area of embryonic stem cell research have sparked considerable ethical disagreement. The controversy is caused by the fact that embryonic stem cells are obtained through the destruction of human embryos. This circumstance has led many people to claim that embryonic stem cell research is unethical. However, there are also many people who believe that the research is ethical and necessary to the future of modern medicine.
The debate in favor of embryonic stem cell research is based on three main arguments. The first and most important argument is that not all humans are persons. The second argument is that most of the embryos used for experimentation are left over from in-vitro fertilization. These embryos would simply be wasted if not used for research. The final argument is that all the good that will come from the research will far outweigh the negative effects of destroying the embryos.
The outcome of the embryonic stem cell debate could have serious consequences for our society. However, before the ethical arguments can be discussed, it is necessary to have some understanding of what stem cells are and why scientists find them so intriguing.
Stem cells are cells that have not yet been specialized to perform a specific bodily function. They have the ability to turn into many different types of specialized cells such as bone, muscle, and nerve cells. The two main types of stem cells are embryonic and adult. Embryonic stem cells are derived from human embryos. Researchers often proclaim embryonic stem cells as the most promising form of stem cell because of their potential to turn into almost any type of cell. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are taken from a more developed human. Up until recently, it was believed that adult stem cells could only turn into a limited variety of cells. However, new advances in science indicate that adult stem cells can be “reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell–like state” (NIH, 2009). These cells, called induced pluripotent stem cells, may be as powerful as true embryonic stem cells. Thus, embryonic research is not the only promising form of stem cell research.
Adult stem cells, which do not raise ethical objections, also hold many possible uses. Stem cells have the potential to cure many previously untreatable diseases and disorders. According to the National Institute of Health website (2009), “Stem cells, directed to differentiate into specific cell types, offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat diseases including Alzheimer's diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.” Adult stem cells have already been successfully used to treat aliments such as spinal cord injuries, blindness, leukemia, and sickle cell anemia. On the contrary, embryonic stem cells have not yet been used effectively in humans. However, researchers continue to have great faith in their potential: “Stem cells offer exciting promise for future therapies, but significant technical hurdles remain that will only be overcome through years of intensive research” (NIH, 2009). Thus, while embryonic stem cells have many intriguing possibilities, it may be many years before any of them are realized.
The chief argument in favor of embryonic stem cell research is based on creating a distinction between being human and being a person. There is now agreement among most researchers that life begins at conception. According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, “the preimplantation human embryo warrants serious moral consideration as a developing form of human life” (Coleman, 1998, p. 4). Thus, rather than arguing that life does not begin at conception, proponents of embryonic research now believe that personhood does not begin at conception. According to this idea, a being must possess certain qualities in order to be considered a person: “Among these are an entity’s possession of a full human genome; its potential for development into a human being; sentience; and the presence of well- developed cognitive abilities such as consciousness, reasoning ability, or the possession of self-concept” (Chapman, Frankel, & Garfinkel, 1999, p. 11). This theory points out that, although every human cell has the unique set of DNA that classifies it as a member of the human species, not every individual cell is considered a person. Thus, there must be some distinction between being human and being a person. This distinction occurs when a human becomes conscious and able to reason. Since an embryo does not possess these qualities, it is not considered a person. All human cells are not protected by law, because they are not considered people; therefore, embryos, which do not meet all the qualifications of personhood, should not be protected either.
The people who are against embryonic stem cell research see the separation of personhood from humanity not only as fallacious but also dangerous. They argue that the ambiguous definition of personhood allows too much leeway. It is impossible to define exactly the day or second that a human becomes a person. Additionally, if a human can start being a person, they can also stop being one. Thus, any human who loses the ability to reason could potentially be considered a non-person. They would then not possess any inalienable human rights. Eventually, this belief could cause anyone who is mentally handicapped or disabled to be considered less of a person than those people who are of normal mental capacity. This circumstance essentially eliminates the idea that all people are equal and possess inherent human rights.
Science has made many important advances over the last 50 years. Some of the most important of these advances are in the field of stem cell research. However, studies in the area of embryonic stem cell research have sparked considerable ethical disagreement. The controversy is caused by the fact that embryonic stem cells are obtained through the destruction of human embryos. This circumstance has led many people to claim that embryonic stem cell research is unethical. However, there are also many people who believe that the research is ethical and necessary to the future of modern medicine.
The debate in favor of embryonic stem cell research is based on three main arguments. The first and most important argument is that not all humans are persons. The second argument is that most of the embryos used for experimentation are left over from in-vitro fertilization. These embryos would simply be wasted if not used for research. The final argument is that all the good that will come from the research will far outweigh the negative effects of destroying the embryos.
The outcome of the embryonic stem cell debate could have serious consequences for our society. However, before the ethical arguments can be discussed, it is necessary to have some understanding of what stem cells are and why scientists find them so intriguing.
Stem cells are cells that have not yet been specialized to perform a specific bodily function. They have the ability to turn into many different types of specialized cells such as bone, muscle, and nerve cells. The two main types of stem cells are embryonic and adult. Embryonic stem cells are derived from human embryos. Researchers often proclaim embryonic stem cells as the most promising form of stem cell because of their potential to turn into almost any type of cell. Adult stem cells, on the other hand, are taken from a more developed human. Up until recently, it was believed that adult stem cells could only turn into a limited variety of cells. However, new advances in science indicate that adult stem cells can be “reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell–like state” (NIH, 2009). These cells, called induced pluripotent stem cells, may be as powerful as true embryonic stem cells. Thus, embryonic research is not the only promising form of stem cell research.
Adult stem cells, which do not raise ethical objections, also hold many possible uses. Stem cells have the potential to cure many previously untreatable diseases and disorders. According to the National Institute of Health website (2009), “Stem cells, directed to differentiate into specific cell types, offer the possibility of a renewable source of replacement cells and tissues to treat diseases including Alzheimer's diseases, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.” Adult stem cells have already been successfully used to treat aliments such as spinal cord injuries, blindness, leukemia, and sickle cell anemia. On the contrary, embryonic stem cells have not yet been used effectively in humans. However, researchers continue to have great faith in their potential: “Stem cells offer exciting promise for future therapies, but significant technical hurdles remain that will only be overcome through years of intensive research” (NIH, 2009). Thus, while embryonic stem cells have many intriguing possibilities, it may be many years before any of them are realized.
The chief argument in favor of embryonic stem cell research is based on creating a distinction between being human and being a person. There is now agreement among most researchers that life begins at conception. According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, “the preimplantation human embryo warrants serious moral consideration as a developing form of human life” (Coleman, 1998, p. 4). Thus, rather than arguing that life does not begin at conception, proponents of embryonic research now believe that personhood does not begin at conception. According to this idea, a being must possess certain qualities in order to be considered a person: “Among these are an entity’s possession of a full human genome; its potential for development into a human being; sentience; and the presence of well- developed cognitive abilities such as consciousness, reasoning ability, or the possession of self-concept” (Chapman, Frankel, & Garfinkel, 1999, p. 11). This theory points out that, although every human cell has the unique set of DNA that classifies it as a member of the human species, not every individual cell is considered a person. Thus, there must be some distinction between being human and being a person. This distinction occurs when a human becomes conscious and able to reason. Since an embryo does not possess these qualities, it is not considered a person. All human cells are not protected by law, because they are not considered people; therefore, embryos, which do not meet all the qualifications of personhood, should not be protected either.
The people who are against embryonic stem cell research see the separation of personhood from humanity not only as fallacious but also dangerous. They argue that the ambiguous definition of personhood allows too much leeway. It is impossible to define exactly the day or second that a human becomes a person. Additionally, if a human can start being a person, they can also stop being one. Thus, any human who loses the ability to reason could potentially be considered a non-person. They would then not possess any inalienable human rights. Eventually, this belief could cause anyone who is mentally handicapped or disabled to be considered less of a person than those people who are of normal mental capacity. This circumstance essentially eliminates the idea that all people are equal and possess inherent human rights.
Both Sides of the Debate on Embryonic Stem Cell Reseach Part 1
Y-Life will, in the next few blog posts, present a paper written by one of our members, Ella B. We are showing you Ella's paper because it isn't biased. It merely presents an argument from both sides without heated debate. Read these installments and decide for yourself.
There are two main types of stem cells used for research, embryonic and adult. Embryonic stem cell research is extremely controversial. The problem with the research is that it involves the destroying of a human embryo. So far, it has not produced any cures. However, adult stem cells have already been used successfully in several applications. Those people who favor embryonic research justify their position by saying that, while embryos are human, they are not people. Thus, embryos do not possess inherent human rights. The opponents of this idea argue that separating personhood from humanity could ultimately lead to the elimination of all inalienable rights. Another argument in favor of embryonic stem cell research is that there are many embryos frozen in in-vitro fertilization clinics that will be wasted if not used for research. It is thus best to get some good out of the embryos by using them for experimentation. The response to this position is that destroying human embryos in an attempt to advance medicine is just as unethical as killing a born person for the same reason. The fact that the person or embryo is going to die eventually is no reason to purposefully kill them. The final reason to support embryonic research is that it has the potential to do great good. This good will hopefully far outweigh the harm done in destroying the embryos. The oppositionists’ response to this idea is that the outcome of research is unpredictable. It is thus unsound to justify actions based on their goal because that goal may never be reached. Since both the possible good and bad effects of embryonic stem cell research are so far reaching, people should be sure to take the time to understand both sides of the debate before forming an opinion on the issue.
To read part 2, click here
To read part 2, click here
Friday, October 15, 2010
Y-LIFE and Holy Apostles Life League CONFERENCE TOMORROW with Fr. Tad Pacholczyk
Sorry we haven't posted in a while. Everyone is back to school and writing papers for teachers and professors. We hope to get some blog posts up soon.
If you would like to attend, shoot us an email to ylifeprovita@gmail.com and we will register you at the door.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Pro-Life Campus Group of the Week .... and CONFERENCE 2010
Well, a bunch of our Y-Lifers have either gone back to school or headed off as freshmen and one of our supporters has entered religious life. In addition, Deacon John from Holy Apostles and a former member of the Holy Apostles Life League is now Father John Trambley of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe and many other things have changed since our Conference last September. It's kind of sad to say goodbye to so many of our stalwarts, but there are some younger kids getting active in the group, we have a couple college students in the area and hopefully, the Conference will bring some new faces to Y-Life.
Back to the Conference ... it's coming up fast - October 16th. Fr. Tad Pacholczyk is our speaker and he is really not to be missed. If you or your friends have ever been frustrated by proponents of abortion waving the wet towel of science around, it's time to snap a towel back. You will be fascinated by the truth, and taking truth away with you, you don't have to be frustrated anymore. Every form you need can be found on the left sidebar of this blog at the very top, but to make things super easy, here are the details about the Conference. Once you have read the preceding link, you will be so motivated to go that you'll need a registration form, which you will find here. And, seriously, if you are going to go, take friends from your parish, school or pro-life group with you. Check with your pastor or DRE and see if this Conference can also serve as a fulfillment of a requirement for your Confirmation. It is a retreat of sorts, but we covered that in the last post.
We are especially in need of ad sponsors, so if some of you out there would download the sponsor form and see if your parish or parish pro-life group would be interested in sponsoring an ad or sentiment, you can find all the detals here. And if any of our fantastic Twitter followers would like to either attend the Conference in Cromwell, CT at Holy Apostles OR send in an ad or sentiment, that would be great! Any any questions, concerns, comments ... whatever, do not hesitate to email us at: ylifeprovita@gmail.com.
And God keep all you guys out there ... we miss you and will see you at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Keep the Truth about the babies alive so they can stay alive and see the light of day and so their parents, especially their mothers, will not have to go through life damaged by abortion.
So ... a little quiz. Two of our members, Jeanne B. and Ella B. go to a university that has the graphic at left as part of their logo. We can inform you with absolute certainty that this graphic will not help you by just looking at it. But you can click here for the answer ... yet another active pro-life campus group at a state university ... young pro-lifers are EVERYWHERE.
Back to the Conference ... it's coming up fast - October 16th. Fr. Tad Pacholczyk is our speaker and he is really not to be missed. If you or your friends have ever been frustrated by proponents of abortion waving the wet towel of science around, it's time to snap a towel back. You will be fascinated by the truth, and taking truth away with you, you don't have to be frustrated anymore. Every form you need can be found on the left sidebar of this blog at the very top, but to make things super easy, here are the details about the Conference. Once you have read the preceding link, you will be so motivated to go that you'll need a registration form, which you will find here. And, seriously, if you are going to go, take friends from your parish, school or pro-life group with you. Check with your pastor or DRE and see if this Conference can also serve as a fulfillment of a requirement for your Confirmation. It is a retreat of sorts, but we covered that in the last post.
We are especially in need of ad sponsors, so if some of you out there would download the sponsor form and see if your parish or parish pro-life group would be interested in sponsoring an ad or sentiment, you can find all the detals here. And if any of our fantastic Twitter followers would like to either attend the Conference in Cromwell, CT at Holy Apostles OR send in an ad or sentiment, that would be great! Any any questions, concerns, comments ... whatever, do not hesitate to email us at: ylifeprovita@gmail.com.
And God keep all you guys out there ... we miss you and will see you at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Keep the Truth about the babies alive so they can stay alive and see the light of day and so their parents, especially their mothers, will not have to go through life damaged by abortion.
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