• October 20, 2004

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) launched a nationwide two-week ad campaign this week highlighting the issue of stem cell research. The ads draw a distinction between embryonic stem cell research, which requires the destruction of human life at the embryonic stage, and adult stem cell research.

"Our ads explain that adult stem cell research is already helping people with heart disease, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's and many other diseases. Embryonic stem cells, on the other hand, have not helped one single human patient, and they come with a hefty price tag: the deliberate destruction of human life," said Cathy Cleaver Ruse, Esq., director of planning and information for the USCCB's Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. "As our ads state: science does not have to kill in order to cure."

The ads will appear in USA Today, The Washington Times and the National Catholic Reporter. The ads are part of an ongoing effort by the bishops to provide more information on the Catholic Church's position on stem cell research and human cloning. In August they issued a flyer entitled "Stem Cell Research and Human Cloning: Questions and Answers," which was distributed in parishes and Catholic organizations across the county.