Oregon Catholic doctor resists pressure to use embryonic stem cells

Published: 2007-01-03

PORTLAND, Ore. (CNS) -- Cells taken from embryos hold therapeutic promise, but it is simply wrong to destroy human life in its early stages. That's the opinion of the chief stem-cell researcher at a medical school hospital in what some would say is one of the nation's most liberal cities. Dr. Markus Grompe, director of Oregon Health & Science University's Stem Cell Center since 2004, is a devout Catholic and a member of St. John Fisher Parish in Portland. "I support the church's view on protection of embryonic life," Grompe told the Catholic Sentinel, Portland archdiocesan newspaper, in an interview in his office at the hospital. "That has sometimes put me in a difficult situation." Grompe is looking forward to the day when a method is discovered to provide embryonic stem cells -- or their equal -- without destroying embryos. But for now, his lab works with cells taken from adults, and he is keen on those advances.

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