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[Greg Stimler]

So, as many of you might have heard, within the last couple years the scientific community has come out with various scientific technologies that make both abominations and miracles possible.  The latest, that I have heard, is the pluripotent stem cell.  This is an adult stem cell that has been genetically reverse engineered to a later period in cell development.  It functions the same as an embryonic stem cell without the need to destroy human embryos (people).  The problem with this, that was discovered within the last year I believe, is that when you put that stem cell into a womb and provide it with enough nutrients, it acts just as a cloned cell would.  Thus the dilemma.  Now, what are the current positions on the use of cloned cells outside of cloning and where does the soul come into the picture with cloned cells and pluripotent cells?  This is a very difficult discussion and if there is any canon law or catechism paragraphs that could help, or even any encyclicals, please quote and provide the sources that could assist in this discussion.  Thank you.

[Deacon Anthony]

So, as many of you might have heard, within the last couple years the scientific community has come out with various scientific technologies that make both abominations and miracles possible.  The latest, that I have heard, is the pluripotent stem cell.  This is an adult stem cell that has been genetically reverse engineered to a later period in cell development.  It functions the same as an embryonic stem cell without the need to destroy human embryos (people).  The problem with this, that was discovered within the last year I believe, is that when you put that stem cell into a womb and provide it with enough nutrients, it acts just as a cloned cell would.  Thus the dilemma.  Now, what are the current positions on the use of cloned cells outside of cloning and where does the soul come into the picture with cloned cells and pluripotent cells?  This is a very difficult discussion and if there is any canon law or catechism paragraphs that could help, or even any encyclicals, please quote and provide the sources that could assist in this discussion.  Thank you.

This article might provide some help for you:

http://www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/bioethic/stemcelltest71801.htm

[Greg Stimler]

Thank you very much.