Faith Impact: What is the Catholic Perspective on Stem Cell Research?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church

The Church’s perspective is rooted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, a book which contains the fundamental truths of Catholicism. The most relevant of these fundamental truths is that all human beings are made in the image and likeness of God. Dissimilar to all other creatures, humans are able to choose freely to love and to do good. In the first section of Part Three: Life in Christ, it is written that, “The dignity of the human person is rooted in his creation in the image and likeness of God” (CCC 1700). This is a clear and indisputable definition presented by the Catholic Church, to which there are no compromises. The truth of human dignity is further cemented when the Catechism covers abortion. It is written, “Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person- among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life” (CCC 2270). In respect to stem cell research, the derivation of embryonic stem cells is outlawed. As these stem cells are typically derived from aborted human embryos, the culmination of their research directly contradicts the dignity of human life. 

Pope Benedict XVI

However, the Catholic Church is not entirely isolated from the concept of stem cell research. In fact, the Catholic Church actually supports stem cell research when it does not jeopardize the dignity of human life. In a 2006 address, Pope Benedict XVI spoke on the matter of stem cell research. He commended it, saying, “somatic stem-cell research also deserves approval and encouragement when it felicitously combines scientific knowledge, the most advanced technology in the biological field and ethics that postulate respect for the human being at every stage of his or her existence” (Address of his Holiness Benedict XVI 2006). Pope Benedict XVI explained that stem cell research is supported by the Church when it does not disregard the dignity of human life. Once stem cell research begins to disregard the sanctity of human life, it is no longer serving humanity. The harvesting of embryonic stem cells, according to Pope Benedict XVI, does not serve humanity. However, he was clear that the Church supports the other forms of stem cell research, in particular, adult stem cells. As he ended his address, Pope Benedict XVI declared, “I hope that God will grant your efforts - which are certainly sustained by God who acts in every person of good will and for the good of all - the joy of discovering the truth, wisdom in consideration and respect for every human being, and success in the search for effective remedies to human suffering” (Address of his Holiness Benedict XVI 2006). Pope Benedict XVI wished for those who engaged in stem cell research to achieve success. He recognized the benefit of stem cell research, and passionately shared his approval when this benefit could be achieved without violating human dignity. In summary, stem cell research, with the exception of embryonic stem cell research, is supported by the Catholic Church. 

Pope Benedict XVI