Don’t use Reeve’s death to promote embryo-destructive research, says Culture of Life Foundation

Washington D.C., Oct 10, 2004 / 22:00 pm

On the death of Christopher Reeve this morning from cardiac failure at the age of 52, Culture of Life Foundation President Austin Ruse has released a statement saying that those who wish to use his death to further the cause of embryo-destructive research do a disservice to all who suffer from quadraplegia.

“Today we mourne the passing of the great entertainer Christopher Reeve. Our sincere condolences go to his brave family and friends who supported him through his long years of struggle.”

“We regret that his passing, like that of Ronald Reagan, will provide the opportunity for some to make the false case for embryo-destructive research.”

“The fact is that after twenty years and many millions of dollars, embryo-destructive research has not successfully treated a single patient or a single disease. Embryo -destructive research was no where close to helping Mr. Reeve walk again. To suggest otherwise does a disservice to those who suffer by raising profoundly false expectations that will not be realized.”

“While embryo-destructive research has cured no person and no disease, adult stem cell research has already treated thousands of patients and more than 100 diseases. In fact, adult stem cell therapy has already helped those with severe spinal cord injuries to walk again, two of whom testified before the US Senate last month. One of those who testfied even suffered from quadraplegia just like Christopher Reeve.”

“Embryo-destructive research is morally problematic because it kills a human embryo in the process. On the other hand, adult stem cell research poses no such moral dilemma. Polls also show that a majority of Americans prefer research that does not kill the human embryo.”