Madrid, Spain, Feb 13, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Speaking on behalf of the Bishops Conference of Spain, Father Juan Martinez Camino, secretary general of the body, said proposed reforms of the country’s laws on assisted reproduction would permit the conception of “medicinal babies” and consequently the death of many human embryos.
Speaking on Spanish TV, Father Martinez said the creation of health embryos to be used for the purposes of curing illnesses is the equivalent of “eugenics.”
“If I am producing eight embryos to cure a sick sibling…and I chose from them the ones that are healthy and are compatible, and I let one of them develop in a test tube and the rest I throw in the trash can, that is called eugenics,” he warned.
Father Martinez added that, “Trying to cure a sibling at the cost of five of his brothers or sisters who have had their right to life taken away is very grave for the future of humanity.”
He recalled that all embryos have a completely new genetic code, “and if you don’t throw it away in the trash, it develops and is a human being.”
“What is it? A dog, a mineral or a group of genes? It is a human body distinct from father and mother, and it has the right to life, and I can not sacrifice it for anything, even to save the world,” he added.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA