FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Contacts:

Michele M. Taylor Michael B. Sheedy
Associate for Communications Associate Director for Health
(850) 205-6817 (850) 205-6824
mtaylor@flacathconf.org msheedy@flacathconf.org

 

Florida Catholic Conference Responds to Proposal for Stem Cell Research

Tallahassee - The Florida Catholic Conference supports the dignity of human life from conception to natural death, and this directs our approach to public policy. 

“We are most grateful to Representative Anitere Flores for her leadership in sponsoring legislation that establishes an ethical framework for research in Florida, and we are very encouraged that Governor Crist is supporting her bill,” said Michael Sheedy, Associate Director for Health at the Florida Catholic Conference. 

Her proposal and that suggested by Governor Crist enshrines a policy in Florida law that will preclude funding for any further destruction of human embryos.

“Including the provision to fund research utilizing the federally-approved lines in existence in August 2001 is an imperfect approach, because it relies on the previous destruction of defenseless human embryos.  However, we will not object to it, since it precludes funding for future destruction of human embryos,” Sheedy added. 

The Florida Catholic Conference appreciates the approach Governor Crist and Representative Flores are taking on this issue. 

Click here for more information on the Catholic Conference's position and the science of stem cell research, including a brief video.

 
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The Florida Catholic Conference is an agency of the Catholic Bishops of Florida.  It speaks for the Church in matters of
public policy, serves as liaison to government and the legislature, and coordinates communications and activities between
the Church and secular agencies.  The Bishops of the seven (Arch)dioceses in Florida constitute its Board of Directors.