Stem Cell Information

NIH Guidelines for Human Ebryonic Stem Cell Research Ignore Public Opinion and the Human Cost July 9, 2009.

Click here for the NCBC Statement (pdf) 

Recent Advances in Adult Stem Cell Research (May 2009)

Recent Advances in Adult Stem Cell Research (April 2009)

Recent Advances in Adult Stem Cell Research (March 2009)

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Sometimes it is wrongly said that the Catholic Church opposes stem cell research. In fact the Church supports ethically responsible stem cell research, while opposing any research that exploits or destroys human embryos (US Catholic Conference of Bishops).

Adult stem cells have already helped thousands of patients, and new clinical uses expand almost weekly. Adult stem cells come from adult tissues and organs such as bone marrow, umbilical cords, the placenta, amniotic fluid, fat from liposuction, regions of the nose, and cadavers up to 20 hours after death. Adult stem cells can be retrieved without harming the donor. Adult stem cells have already helped to treat people with spinal cord injuries, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and other ailments.

The Catholic Church opposes Embryonic stem cell research and Therapeutic Cloning. Both types of research destroy a human embryo for its stem cells. Although touted to show great promise, up to now no human being has ever been cured of a disease using embryonic stem cells.

The Catholic Church fully supports moral and life-affiming scientific advancements to treat disease and disability.

Umbilical Cord Donations:

Community Blood Services,

  • The Elie Katz Umbilical Cord Blood Program,
    1 Pearl Court, Unit C,
    Allendale, NJ 07401
    1-866-SAVCORD
  • Coriell Institute for Medical Research in Camden 1-856-757-9718

Contact your local hospital, especially the Catholic Hospitals of New Jersey

  • St. Peter's University Hospital,
    254 Easton Avenue,
    New Brunswick, NJ 08901
    1-732-745-8600

Organ Donations:

  • NJ Sharing Network
    841 Mountain Avenue
    Springfield, NJ 07081-9901
    1-800-SHARE-NJ
    www.sharenj.org