CHURCH TEACHINGS: Embryonic Stem Cells and Cloning

Excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

[2275] It is immoral to produce human embryos intended for exploitation as disposable biological material.

Certain attempts to influence chromosomic or genetic inheritance are not therapeutic but are aimed at producing human beings selected according to sex or other predetermined qualities. Such manipulations are contrary to the personal dignity of the human being and his integrity and identity which are unique and unrepeatable.

[2295] Research or experimentation on the human being cannot legitimate acts that are in themselves contrary to the dignity of persons and to the moral law.

See also the Pontifical Council for the Family, Charter of the Rights of the Family, 4b. Respect for the dignity of the human being excludes all experimental manipulation or exploitation of the human embryo.