More corrupting that abortion

Regarding embryonic stem cell research, bioethicist Eric Cohen is quoted by Kairos Journal:

[A]lthough the pro-life movement has rightly spent its energy combating abortion, it would do well to begin giving some attention to embryonic stem-cell research as well. Pro-lifers have had substantial success convincing the public that abortion is a horrible and even inexcusable practice. Embryo research, on the other hand, seems relatively innocuous; but that is an illusion. Its insidious nature makes it more corrupting than abortion.

President Obama's tragic decision this week to permit government funding for embryonic stem cell research has brought this ethical dilemma back into the public spotlight.

The Bible teaches that all life is sacred and to be protected because all humans are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). This is true at every stage of life -- whether floating in the test tube of a laboratory, growing in the womb of a mother, or laying on the bed of a convalescent home.

It is never right to torture or sacrifice an innocent human life for the purpose of extending or improving the lives of others. God alone has the prerogative to give life and take it away (1 Sam. 2:6; Job 1:21).

When we get into the business of creating and killing life, even with the best of intentions, we are wielding a power that is reserved for God Himself.