Be it resolved that:

WHEREAS, The Catholic Church shares in the recognition that the human embryo is a form of human life; and,

WHEREAS, Human lives are not objects to be manipulated and destroyed for research purposes; and,

WHEREAS, Human embryonic stem cell research necessitates the dismemberment and destruction of human embryos; and

WHEREAS, Adult stem cell research has far exceeded early research expectations and continues to yield successful and promising treatments and cures, and is a significant and better research alternative to destructive embryonic stem cell research; and

WHEREAS, Human cloning processes such as human “somatic cell nuclear transfer” create human embryos; and,

WHEREAS, Human cloning by-passes the natural procreative process and prohibits a child the natural right to have both a biological mother and father; and,

WHEREAS, Human cloning carries with it the increased potential for abuse, human exploitation; and,

WHEREAS, Human cloning and human embryonic stem cell research is contrary to the dignity and sanctity of each individual person; and,

WHEREAS, it is wrong to use taxpayer money to support research in the destruction of human life; and

WHEREAS, We face an age of powerful advances in biotechnology, and must ensure that our technical advances will not demean our very humanity but will serve to uphold the right to life.

We the undersigned Bishops of the Florida Catholic Conference oppose research involving the destruction of human embryos, the creation of human embryos through cloning processes, and the public funding of any such research.  We authorize the Florida Catholic Conference to engage in efforts to prevent such activities and to promote an ethical research environment in Florida.

Florida Catholic Conference
201 W. Park Avenue * Tallahassee, FL * 32301-7715
Phone (850) 222-3803 * Fax (850) 681-9548