Bioethics Archives

New stem cell research guidelines a ‘shifting goalpost’ for embryo safeguards. ethicist says

Jun 8, 2021

A British bioethicist is warning that extending a 14-day limit on experimenting on human embryos will “strip away one of the few remaining limits to injustices committed against embryonic human beings.”

By Charles Collins

Canadian ethicists question plan to end limits on culturing human embryos

Jun 6, 2021

The international scientific body governing stem cell research is abandoning the absolute 14-day limit on culturing human embryos in the laboratory, putting pressure on Canada’s law prohibiting the practice.

By Michael Swan

Ending limit on culturing human embryos called ‘affront’ to value of life

Jun 2, 2021

Lifting a long-standing prohibition on the ability of scientists to culture human embryos in the lab past 14 days shows “an utter disregard” for the value of human life and is “an affront to the sanctity of human life,” said two Catholic members of Congress, Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., and Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind.

By Catholic News Service

Humility, open mind needed to crack coronavirus’ secrets, expert says

May 7, 2021

Much is still unknown about the 2019 novel coronavirus and why it can kill so many people and yet also can infect many more without causing any symptoms, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the United States’ top infectious disease expert, told a Vatican conference.

By Carol Glatz

German doctors remove ban on assisting suicide from code of conduct

May 6, 2021

The German Medical Assembly, the annual meeting of the German Medical Association, has lifted the professional ban on assisted suicide.

By Catholic News Service

Catholic doctor weighs in on COVID-19 vaccines for children

May 4, 2021

Vaccines for children are getting attention with questions about when will they be available, if they are necessary to end the pandemic and if Catholic parents should inoculate their children.

By Katie Scott

Pharmaceutical companies urged to stop using abortion-derived cell lines

Apr 18, 2021

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities has launched a campaign urging Catholics to write letters to pharmaceutical companies urging them to stop the use of abortion-derived cell lines in the development and testing of vaccines.

By Julie Asher