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BreakPoint Cultural commentary with Prison Fellowship's Chuck Colson http://www.breakpoint.org October 12, 2004 The Issue that Won't Go Away - The Facts about Embryo Disposal It's an issue that just won't go away. As in vitro fertilization becomes increasingly popular, a nagging question remains: What happens to the embryos that are created but not chosen? To hear some people talk, getting rid of an unused embryo is as easy as getting rid of an old shoe. But a new study from the University of Pennsylvania reveals that it's not that simple. The survey of 217 fertility clinics showed that clinic staffers are often uncertain about how to handle the situation. Researcher Arthur Caplan stated, "There is certainly a lot more ambivalence about what embryos are than I had ever imagined before starting this study." Of the 217 clinics that participated, seven refused, for "religious and ethical reasons," to create more embryos than necessary. And of the 208 that did create and preserve them and fully answered the questionnaire, 33 didn't dispose of them at all. Again, several of them cited "religious considerations." * * * * * * * * * * * * ADVERTISEMENT * * * * * * * * * * * How can you change the world? Help save a child through World Vision's child sponsorship program. For just $26 a month, you'll provide clean water, regular medical care, a secure food supply, and access to education. Request your no obligation packet today! http://l.salemweb.net/worldvision0604/bp/101204/ * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * What about the rest? The researchers report that "165 of the 175 clinics practicing disposal (94 percent) disposed of embryos as biological waste material"-often incinerating them. The embryos that escape that fate are donated for research, which destroys them-gruesome. There is an encouraging sign, however, that a growing number of clinics are now donating embryos for adoption. But they're still in the minority, compared to the number of clinics that simply dispose of those tiny lives. Nonetheless, certain details in the study show how torn clinic staffers can be about their job. Seven of the clinics that disposed of embryos actually held ceremonies over them, all of which included prayer. Another seven cultured the embryos and allowed them to develop as long as they could outside the womb before disposing of them. Even policies about whether or not the parents of the embryo should be there for the disposal reflect the same deep ambivalence. The report states, "4 of the 175 clinics . . . insisted that the involved couple be present at disposal, 23 . . . gave the couple the option of being present, 117 . . . allowed the couple to be present if requested but did not offer the option explicitly, and 25 . . . insisted that the couple not be present . . . 4 clinics . . . noted that they give embryos to couples for disposal." No one seems to explain why embryos are being treated this way, but Arthur Caplan gave it a try. "I don't think anyone who deals with these frozen embryos considers them to be persons," he said. "But I think that they feel they are deserving of respect . . . They see the potential for life in this material." Whether they want to call it life, potential life, or just a blob of cells, this strange respect that they feel in its presence should make these staffers ask themselves some tough questions. They would soon discover that deep down inside, they do consider them to be persons. It's one more proof of the moral law written on each of our hearts-the knowledge that each human life, no matter how small or undeveloped, is sacred in God's sight. This new report is encouraging because it indicates that even in this time of moral relativism, people do still know the truth. Visit the Breakpoint website at http://www.breakpoint.org ____________________SUBSCRIPTION INFO_______________________ * This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. To unsubscribe from this newsletter immediately, simply click on the link below. If this link is not clickable, simply cut and paste it into the address bar of your browser. http://www.salememail.com/unsub/25/1698058.aspx * Copyright � 2004 Salem Web Network and its Content Providers. All rights reserved. 1698058 ____________________________________________________________ TRINITY COLLEGE & SEMINARY OFF CAMPUS & ONLINE Experience Personal & Ministry Growth Through Bible-Focused Degree Programs Associate and Bachelor of Arts Master of Arts, M.Div., Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Ministry http://l.salemweb.net/tcs2003tr/footer/ ____________________________________________________________ Questions or comments can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
