CONFERENCE TO FOCUS

ON STEM-CELL RESEARCH

            The ethical and scientific issues related to stem-cell research and cloning and the alternatives to embryonic cell-stem research will be examined at a conference, sponsored by the Office of Government Affairs of the Diocese of Brooklyn, to be held in St. Albert’s Hall of St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Pkwy., Jamaica, Saturday, Oct. 7.

            Expert analysts on stem-cell research from across the country will address the daylong event, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. The program will include two keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops for youths and priests.

            The objective of the conference is to differentiate for participants the different types of stem-cell research and how they relate to cloning, according to the Government Affairs Office.

            The Catholic Church opposes embryonic stem-cell research because it involves the destruction of a human embryo and therefore human life, but it supports the use of stem cells derived from adults or umbilical-cord blood for scientific research.

            Nikolas Nikas, president and general counsel of the Bioethics Defense Fund in Phoenix, will deliver an overview of the ethical and scientific issues, based on his experience dating back to 1992. Eric Cohen, director of the Bioethics and American Democracy program of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, and a member of the President’s Council on Bioethics, will review alternatives to embryonic stem-cell research.

            A panel discussion will follow each of the key presentations. The panelists following Mr. Nikas will be Kathleen Gallagher, director of pro-life activities for the New York State Catholic Conference in Albany; Dr. Joseph Califano, a permanent deacon in the Diocese of Rockville Centre and professor of bioethics at St. John’s University; Father Joseph Howard, a graduate student and teaching fellow at Catholic University in Washington, and Dr. Mary McCrossan of Wilmington, Del., of A Rose and a Prayer Campaign.

            Deacon Califano and Dr. McCrossan will also serve on the panel after Mr. Cohen’s talk, joining journalist Rick Hinshaw, Fred Fitzsimmons, chief executive officer of ViviCells International of Evanston, Ill., and Father James Bradley, coordinator of disabilities services for Catholic Charities.

            Mrs. Gallagher will lead the workshop for youths and Father Howard the workshop for priests on pastoral issues.

            For further information, contact Robin Lynn at (718) 399-5900, ext. 5408. A $15 fee at the door will include a box lunch.

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