Stem Cell Research and Cloning

Abortion

Over the years, the Catholic Church has been unwavering in its protection of the sanctity of human life, from conception until natural death. The Church embraces and stands up for the lives of all the unborn, while offering hope and healing to parents who have chosen to abort their unborn children. As Catholics, we have the responsibility to spread Christ’s message about the dignity of all human life to our culture.

You may have questions about the Church’s teaching on abortion or about your own experiences with this important moral issue. We hope to guide your understanding with some of the information we have provided here. God bless you.

Bri discusses the confused and scared feelings that girls can have when facing an unplanned pregnancy. There is a nearby pregnancy center that is willing to help. If you are in a crisis pregnancy center, call this help line or visit PregnancyLine.org.	Various women describe the circumstances that led to their decisions to abort their babies. The aftermath of their abortions was tragic and painful, which led them to seek hope and healing. Dr. Alveda King stands up with other now pro-life women to encourage post-abortive mothers to seek help. If you are looking for hope and healing after an abortion, visit HealingAfter.com.	VirtueMedia’s pro-life Window commercial portrays various dads looking at their unborn babies in the womb. Modern medical technology and science helps us see that life does begin at conception.
PregnancyLine Bri	Silent No More	Window: 15

………………………………………. This pro-life commercial for BirthRight.org features women who were facing unplanned pregnancies. They encourage women who are in crisis pregnancy situations to find out their options. If you’re scared and need help, visit BirthRight.org. ………………………………….. …………………………………..	Rebekka talks about her hero: her mom. The little girl thanks her mom for choosing life for her, when so many are choosing to abort their children. Rebekka has the opportunity to live life, thanks to her mom’s pro-life decision. You can be a hero to your future child too. Visit PregnancyLine.com and choose life.	Dylan talks about his hero: his dad. The young boy thanks his dad for choosing life for him, when so many are choosing to abort their unborn children. Dylan has the opportunity to live life, thanks to his parents’ pro-life decision. You can be a hero to your future child too. Visit PregnancyLine.com and choose life.
CPC Mix	Hero: Rebekka	Hero: Dylan

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Stem Cell Research and Cloning

What does the Catholic Church teach about stem cell research? What is the Church’s position on the issue of human cloning?

The Church boldly defends and protects human life in all cases. Catholic teaching on difficult issues, like stem cell research and cloning, must be understood in order to recognize and respect all human life. Take time to learning about these modern issues and the Church’s response. Our human nature—designed by God—is meant to work in a certain way, under certain conditions. By learning more about these topics, you will begin to see how the Church teaching matches up to God’s plan and design for human beings.

Additional Resources

National Catholic Bioethics Center

Pope Benedict XVI on Stem Cells

Pornography

What does the Catholic Church teach about the moral implications of pornography?

Pornography involves exploiting the human body and viewing the body as an object. Of course, we know that the Catholic Church teaches that the human body should be respected, because of the dignity that Christ bestows on every person. We must understand the terrible reality of pornography in our culture today, so we can offer help to those who are suffering with this addiction.

Whether you are interested in learning more about how to defend the dignity of the human body, or are looking to free yourself from the bonds of your addiction to pornography, take time to explore the resources we have provided here. God bless you.

Resources

The Addiction of Pornography and How to Get Free From It

The Culture of Pornography & Commitment Phobia

Help for Spouses

The Link Between Pornography and Violence in the Media Who Does it Hurt?

Recommended Reading

Every Young Man’s Battle: Strategies for Victory in the Real World of Sexual Temptation by Stephen Arterburn, Fred Stoeker, and Mike Yorkey

Homosexuality

What does the Catholic Church teach about same sex attractions and gay marriage? Are homosexuals welcome in the Catholic Church?

Some men and women who struggle with same-sex attractions wonder if there’s any hope for them to be welcomed in or back to the Church. The answer to that question is an unambiguous “yes.” (Read here what the Catholic Church says about homosexuals and homosexual inclinations.) God calls each of us, whether homosexual or heterosexual, to chastity according to our circumstances in life. The Church is here to help all of us live in the light of truth.

One helpful and effective ministry helping homosexual believers is Courage. Here is an exerpt from their Web site:

“Are you or a loved one experiencing homosexual attractions and looking for answers?

Courage, an apostolate of the Roman Catholic Church, ministers to those with same-sex attractions and their loved ones. We have been endorsed by the Pontifical Council for the Family and our beloved John Paul II said of this ministry, “COURAGE is doing the work of God!” We also have an outreach called Encourage which ministers to relatives and friends of persons with same-sex attractions.

From our web site you will learn about homosexuality and chastity. By developing an interior life of chastity, which is the universal call to all Christians, one can move beyond the confines of the homosexual identity to a more complete one in Christ…

Come see what we are about. Browse our pages. Get to know our community. You’ll be glad you did!”

To learn more about homosexuality in light of the Church’s teachings, please explore the following resources. Remember, the Church is modeled after Christ, and works to share the truth and spread love throughout the world to each and every human being. But we must take time to understand why the Church teaches what she does. Only then can we embrace the truth and live according to it.

Contraception and Infertility

Why is the Catholic Church opposed to contraception? What does the Church teach about infertility drugs and treatments? Contrary to what some Catholics may have told you, these issues are a big deal. The Catholic Church teaches that deliberately practicing contraception is a sin. But that’s not the end of the story. The first thing you should do before avoiding this important teaching that is meant to protect life and to protect you is find out why the Catholic Church teaches that contraception is wrong. We recommend reading two key teaching documents: Pope Paul VI’s teaching on Human Life and the Catechism of the Catholic Church’s discussion of the holiness of marriage in addition to the problem with a couple deliberately saying “no” to the possibility of God’s gift of children. Finally, take time to review some of the other resources we have provided here. Understanding and embracing the Church’s teaching on contraception can drastically and positively change your life, as it has many others. Additional Resources Contraception: why not? (audio | text) Church Teaching on Birth Control Catholic Stance on Birth Control from Scripture and Tradition to Human Nature The Problems with Contraception Teaching on Infertility

Euthanasia

What do Catholics believe about Euthanasia? The Catholic Church has always remained a strong defender of the dignity of life, from conception to natural death. The Catechism makes the Church’s position on euthanasia very clear (CCC 2324, CCC 2277), reminding us that putting an end to any person’s life, regardless of their stage of life, is morally unacceptable. But making critical end-of-life decisions can be very difficult. We have provided you with some resources to guide you in making important moral end- of-life choices, rooted in Christ’s love for each and every human soul. Learn more about end-of-life decisions.