Friday, 29 March 29 Mar

Media release

Abp Jensen’s comments after meeting with Prime Minister Howard to discuss research on human embryos

The Most Rev Peter Jensen, Archbishop of Sydney has released the following statement after meeting with Prime Minster John Howard yesterday.

“At the Prime Minister’s request I met with him in his office yesterday, Tuesday 2nd April to discuss issues surrounding research on human embryos. I understand that he has been consulting widely on this matter with research scientists, ethicists and church leaders, including Dr George Pell and myself.

“The Prime Minister is clearly addressing the ethical implications of embryonic stem cell research very carefully. He is quite obviously genuine in his endeavour to give a lead to our community on what is a fundamental ethical and moral question. I applaud his purposeful investigations and his leadership.

“I want to stress that we discussed embryonic stem cell research. It goes without saying that I have always supported research using adult stem cells.

“In our discussion I expressed my own understanding of the matter and shared with him how I approach this discussion. I was particularly intent on making clear the initial framework which informs my own conclusions. That is that the proper context for any ethical discussion must arise from an appropriate understanding of the nature of God and the teaching of His word. It must also be based on a due recognition of God’s judgment on human affairs, that is that we will be called to account for how we deal with other humans and our respect for human life.

“This starting point leads me to my first conclusion. There are absolutes that must not be disregarded in the face of utilitarian ethical arguments which state that the destruction of embryos can be allowed in light of the possible benefits that may be discovered. We can never accept that the ends can justify the means employed.

“The absolute involved in this question is the priority of human life and the need for its right to be preserved and given appropriate respect. The taking of the life of a human person without just cause, especially the taking of such life as a means to another end (in this case, research and possible therapeutic breakthroughs) is never acceptable.

“I accept that the embryo must be understood as a human life. I believe that science is clear that any point made between the coming into existence of the original human cell and birth is an arbitrary one. Once the embryo has come into existence it is a human embryo and ought to be given the rights and respect as a human person.

“I also stressed to the Prime Minister that legislators must always take into account the reality of human fallibility and corruption. I said that my belief in the doctrine of original sin impels me to the understanding that the consequences of decisions about this research go beyond the capacity of humans to take because of our own inherent evil nature and the possibility of our fallible actions.

“For example, human greed leading to the desire for profit may motivate researchers and corporations in this research. It may end up with a situation in our community where we have the regular commodification of human life giving large profits at the expense of human embryos.

“Another major point of our discussion revolved around the large number of so-called surplus embryos. Many people say ‘well they are going to die anyway and if that is to be the case we may as well use them for research.’ In reply to this I made the point that it is one thing to allow embryos to die with due respect to their humanity and an understanding of the purpose for which they were created (that is for a husband and wife in the IVF program to have a child). It is entirely another thing to ignore this purpose for their creation to be used at the will and disposal of researchers.

“I have been advised that so-called ‘therapeutic cloning’ is a next logical step from embryonic stem cell research. This is not the way forward for this community.

“I also raised the point that the IVF program itself needs to be reviewed to ensure that fewer embryos are created and that other alternatives uses of embryos be considered, such as adoption for other husbands and wives who face the childless consequences of infertility.

“I am hoping to have persuaded the Prime Minister that so-called surplus human embryos should not be used for research. Research with adult stem cells are the obvious way forward for research scientists. The possibilities for therapeutic benefits remain and the ethical minefield is avoided.

“I was pleased to engage in this discussion with Mr Howard. As a community we should continue to pray for him and his colleagues as they lead our nation through this urgent ethical challenge to human life and well being.”

CONTACT: Margaret Rodgers
(H) 02 9560 9801
(W) 02 9265 1507
(M) 0411 692 499

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