Leading scientist: Church supports stem cell research

Catholic scientists are playing leading roles in stem cell research, with the full support of the Catholic Church at the highest levels. Prof. P S John is Director of Medicine at the St Thomas Hospital for Spinal Cord Care in Kerala, India and the founding president of the Asian Society for Computer-assisted Surgery. His research involves the use of adult stem cells to regenerate damaged spinal cord tissue. He is in Rome for meetings at the Vatican this week. “Denying life to one and giving life to another is in no way justifiable,” he said, explaining his opposition to embryonic stem cell research. Asked which kind of stem cells he would choose for research in a completely amoral universe, Prof. John said, “I’d always pick up adult stem cells because they have definite advantages.” John added, “You don’t have the chances for tumerogenesis [that you do with embryonic research], and also, [that] you are using the patient’s own tissue means that there is no chance of rejection.” The Vatican recently entered into significant research partnerships with scientists and biomedical firms, all of which are working with adult stem cells to create life-saving and life-changing therapies. Listen