"There is a basic moral principal to do good and avoid evil. All morality is built on that. And using adult stem cell research is a good. There is a moral imperative to move ahead with this,” stated Rev. John A. Leies, S.M, S.T.D, a professor of moral theology at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, who represented the Texas Catholic Conference at the May 21 Adult Stem Cell Research hearing before the Texas House Appropriations Committee.
"Adult stem cells are a way in which life, the spark of divine divinity within us, will be protected and enhanced. Both from a practical and a moral standpoint, cell experimentation should be confined to the use of adult stem cells.”
The Adult Stem Cell Research hearing was convened to review an interim charge regarding the potential clinical and economic benefits of using state funding for current and increased adult stem cell research, including cord blood stem cells. Click here to watch Rev. Leies’ testimony (his testimony begins at 35:30, or the 35th minute) or click here to read his remarks.
Contrasting adult stem cell research, which the Church supports, with embryonic stem cell research, which the Church opposes, Rev. Leies stated, "We do not believe that we are supposed to create life in order to destroy it. Adult stem cell research has proven itself. And the moral problem of the destruction of life is avoided.”
During his testimony Rev. Leies also advocated for public cord blood banks. "There are over 70 diseases that have been treated with cord blood stem cells. At the present time the United States has some 17,000 units of cord blood in 20 public banks. And more is needed evidently.”
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Rev. Leies, a member of the Society of Mary, obtained a bachelor’s of science in education from the University of Dayton, Ohio and continued his education, receiving a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L) and a Doctorate in Theology (S.T.D) from the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. Rev. Leies is a consultant for the National Catholic Bioethics Center, and was former President and Academic Vice-President for St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.
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