The Moral Problem with the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge UPDATED!
August 14, 2014 by
We’ve all see it, and many of you have probably done it. Many celebrities, politicians and even priests have done it. There is a great amount of good that comes about from furthering awareness of such a terrible disease. Since July 29th, $5.5 million has been raised for ALS research. The problem that I have the with ALS Ice Bucket challenge is that the ALS Association is a supporter of embryonic stem cell research.
The American Life League website has done the leg work on this particular charitable cause.
From ALSA.org:
From the Life League website:
Saint John Paul II said in 2003:In an email to ALL from Carrie Munk at the ALS Association:The ALS Association primarily funds adult stem cell research. Currently, The Association is funding one study using embryonic stem cells (ESC), and the stem cell line was established many years ago under ethical guidelines set by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); this research is funded by one specific donor, who is committed to this area of research. In fact, donors may stipulate that their funds not be invested in this study or any stem cell project. Under very strict guidelines, The Association may fund embryonic stem cell research in the future.
Any treatment which claims to save human lives, yet is based upon the destruction of human life in its embryonic state, is logically and morally contradictory, as is any production of human embryos for the direct or indirect purpose of experimentation or eventual destruction.While I can’t donate to the ALS Association, I will certainly pray for those that suffer from this disease. I’ll also be on the lookout for a charity that doesn’t violate the Sanctity of Human Life.
UPDATE:
The John Paul II Medical Research Institute may be a more worthy group to donate to:
The John Paul II Medical Research Institute is a 501 (c) (3) organization that was founded in 2007 by Dr. Alan Moy. It is a secular organization that is grounded in a pro-life bioethic that respects the dignity of every human life. The Institute has chosen a name honoring the late pontiff, blessed John Paul II, that clearly demonstrates this unwavering commitment to the culture of life. More than 300 institutes and organizations engage in and support human embryonic stem cell research. The John Paul II Medical Research Institute advocates for medical research that recognizes the dignitiy of human life from the moment of conception to natural death. Also, the Institute advocates a new paradigm in research to address deficiencies in medical research and unmet medical needs.
Read more: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/frmichaelduffy/2014/08/the-moral-problem-with-the-als-ice-bucket-challenge/#ixzz3AcHkiys0
Hi Mike, LifeSite News, which I find credible, also has this to say:
ReplyDelete"So who can you give your Ice Bucket Challenge money to? I know of one charity that is not focused on funding the research, but on making the lives of those with ALS better through technology and on raising awareness for the disease. Team Gleason, founded by former NFL player and ALS patient, Steve Gleason, has the following mission:
• Help provide individuals with neuromuscular diseases or injuries with leading edge technology, equipment and services.
• Create a global conversation about ALS to ultimately find solutions and an end to the disease.
• Raise public awareness toward ALS by providing and documenting extraordinary life adventures for individuals with muscular diseases or injuries.
No one is ever certain where every penny of their charity dollars go, but I think Team Gleason is a better choice, just in case you are challenged and an ice bath is not for you!"
http://www.lifenews.com/2014/08/15/attention-pro-lifers-be-careful-where-you-send-your-als-ice-bucket-challenge-donation/
Team Gleason it is, for me.