Howard attacked over support for stem cell research
-9/11/04
The pro-life group, The Soc
Howard attacked over support for stem cell research
-9/11/04
The pro-life group, The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has condemned the support given by Michael Howard for embryonic stem cell research.
In a speech today the Conservative leader said that it was a matter of having “the courage to do what we know to be morally right”.
But SPUC said that he had “misjudged both the ethics and politics of science”.
The controversial issue was a feature of the recent US presidential election, where George Bush opposed extending it.
But the Tory leader argued there was a moral case for embracing science which could help victims of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Motor Neurone disease.
“I believe we have a duty to offer hope to the millions of people who suffer devastating illnesses,” he said.
The use of embryonic stem cells in the UK is already allowed.
Scientists hope that by growing such cells in the laboratory they can programme them to form specific tissue such as kidney, heart or even brain tissue.
Mr Howard acknowledged there were genuine concerns about stem cell research.
But he argued in a speech in Westminster to the Conservative National Women’s Committee on ambitions and values. : “We mustn’t be frightened of change or nostalgic about the past – we must be optimistic about the future.
“Politicians must create the right framework so that the great potential of science can be harnessed for the benefit of mankind.
“With the life expectancy of the average Briton now around the mid-70s, society has a responsibility to enhance the quality of people’s lives as they grow older.
“I know many people are concerned about stem-cell research. They are fearful of meddling with what they see as the stuff of souls.
“I respect those concerns. But I also believe we have a duty to offer hope to the millions of people who suffer devastating illnesses like Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Alzheimer’s and – as we saw in the papers today – now possibly heart problems.”
Mr Howard acknowledged there were “no easy answers” over such an issue but it was necessary to “have the courage to do what we know to be morally right”.
But Anthony Ozimic, SPUC’s political secretary said “Michael Howard has misjudged both the ethics and politics of science by supporting embryonic stem cell research.
“Lethal experiments upon human beings – whether embryos, children or adults – are prohibited by the Geneva Declaration of the World Medical Association, and have never shown any significant benefits.
He continued; “Embryonic stem cell research, which involves killing embryos, is morally wrong. Mr Howard should learn from John Kerry’s experience that promoting the killing of embryos won’t help him win elections.”
Howard attacked over support for stem cell research
-9/11/04
The pro-life group, The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) has condemned the support given by Michael Howard for embryonic stem cell research.
In a speech today the Conservative leader said that it was a matter of having “the courage to do what we know to be morally right”.
But SPUC said that he had “misjudged both the ethics and politics of science”.
The controversial issue was a feature of the recent US presidential election, where George Bush opposed extending it.
But the Tory leader argued there was a moral case for embracing science which could help victims of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Motor Neurone disease.
“I believe we have a duty to offer hope to the millions of people who suffer devastating illnesses,” he said.
The use of embryonic stem cells in the UK is already allowed.
Scientists hope that by growing such cells in the laboratory they can programme them to form specific tissue such as kidney, heart or even brain tissue.
Mr Howard acknowledged there were genuine concerns about stem cell research.
But he argued in a speech in Westminster to the Conservative National Women’s Committee on ambitions and values. : “We mustn’t be frightened of change or nostalgic about the past – we must be optimistic about the future.
“Politicians must create the right framework so that the great potential of science can be harnessed for the benefit of mankind.
“With the life expectancy of the average Briton now around the mid-70s, society has a responsibility to enhance the quality of people’s lives as they grow older.
“I know many people are concerned about stem-cell research. They are fearful of meddling with what they see as the stuff of souls.
“I respect those concerns. But I also believe we have a duty to offer hope to the millions of people who suffer devastating illnesses like Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Alzheimer’s and – as we saw in the papers today – now possibly heart problems.”
Mr Howard acknowledged there were “no easy answers” over such an issue but it was necessary to “have the courage to do what we know to be morally right”.
But Anthony Ozimic, SPUC’s political secretary said “Michael Howard has misjudged both the ethics and politics of science by supporting embryonic stem cell research.
“Lethal experiments upon human beings – whether embryos, children or adults – are prohibited by the Geneva Declaration of the World Medical Association, and have never shown any significant benefits.
He continued; “Embryonic stem cell research, which involves killing embryos, is morally wrong. Mr Howard should learn from John Kerry’s experience that promoting the killing of embryos won’t help him win elections.”