How not to argue for stem cell research

http://wmbriggs.com/blog/2008/12/13/how-not-to-argue-for-stem-cell-research/ ^ | William Briggs

[mattstat]

I received this press release from the Center for Inquiry (CFI), a group that grew out of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (or CSICOP). I receive these kinds of things daily from groups hoping I will publicize their causes. In this case, I decided to comply.

E-mail: nbupp@centerforinquiry.net

Center for Inquiry Calls Vatican’s Position on Biomedical Technology Deplorable and Scientifically Insupportable

Amherst, New York (December 12, 2008)—In a move designed to firm up faith-based opposition to embryonic stem cell research and other cutting-edge biomedical technologies, the Vatican has released a 32-page document titled “Dignitas Personae” – meaning “the dignity of a person.” The document condemns a host of procedures considered “immoral” by the Catholic Church, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), the freezing of unfertilized eggs, embryonic stem cell research, and the testing of embryos to help identify those with defects. The Center for Inquiry, a think tank headquartered in Amherst, New York that supports research on bioethical questions, deplores the Vatican’s pronouncement. The Vatican’s position has no justification other than religious doctrine, according to the Center for Inquiry, and may have a serious adverse effect on scientific research and the development of medical therapies....

[Titus Quinctius Cincinnatus]

The Vatican’s position has no justification other than religious doctrine

And I'm firmly of the opinion that this is no argument whatsoever.

[gridlock]

The Vatican’s position has no justification other than religious doctrine...

If the fundamental value of human life is to be reduced to a "religious doctine", then this statement is quite correct. But, then again, all laws would then have no justification other than religious doctrine.

[hocndoc]

my blog today is “ Fox builds henhouse,” The biggest proponents of cloning and destructive embryonic stem cell research are members of the task force that wrote the new International Society for Stem Cell Research “Guidelines” for research.
http://www.lifeethics.org/www.lifeethics.org/index.html