” “The archbiship of Paris, mgr. André Vingt-Trois, appeals to the principle of “precaution” so that supernumerary embryonic stem cells will not be used for scientific research. On February 7th the French Official Journal (le “Journal Officiel”) published the decree long awaited by the country’s scientific community which authorises the use, for research purposes of embryos conceived for in vitro fertilisation and no longer as the object of a parental plan. “The principle of precaution applies to many areas commented mgr. Vingt-Trois in a long interview given to the French Catholic weekly magazine “La Vie”, published yesterday even when there is no real danger. While an embryo is not an accomplished person, we can’t deny there’s a being fully rooted in human life. As a precaution, it should be treated with the respect that must be given to any human being”. Then, as to the expectations of sick people about potential scientific achievements, the bishop commented: “They speak of therapeutical benefits, they promise they’ll cure such diseases as Parkinson or Alzheimer with embryonal stem cells. In fact, the forecasts are mush less optimistic. It is instead a blind act of faith that nobody would dare ask even in the religious domain. Enough with repeated promises and propaganda if it touchs the heart of human life”. “In France added the prelate there are teams of researchers who are engaged, and with promising results, in research into adult stem cells. But their work is widely ignored and they never make the headlines”.
