072501 Stem-cell cartoon hardly humorous

In his July 19 editorial cartoon, "The stem-cell debate: decisions, decisions;" Matt Davies was dearly advocating the sacrifice of Choice A (the human baby" growing in the test tube) to save the life of Choice B (a child sick in bed).

 However, scientific research'' has shown that such a choice could kill both  the human "embryo" and the sick child. In one study, separate groups of diabetic mice initially improved when treated - with stem cells taken from both embryonic mice and adult mice, but while the mice given adult stem cells lived, the mice given embryonic stem cells all died. ' .  A responsible, unbiased media would at least mention that it is adult stem cells, not embryonic ones, that have already successfully been used to save children with defective immune systems. Such stem cells can be taken from excess adult body fat that is clearly in plentiful supply. Afterbirth placentas and umbilical cords are other stem sources that harm no one.

If the test tube in Matt Davies' illustration were labeled with Mr. Davies' name on it, I doubt he would find it so funny. Knowing the possibly fatal consequences of using embryonic stein cells, I don't think he would want his name on the sick child's hospital bed either.

Elizabeth B. Rex

Yonkers - - The writer is-president of The Children' First Foundation.

Suzanne Witzenburg of Planned Parenthood seems awed by what she views as enlightened sex education programs for children in the Netherlands, Germany and France. These children are the beneficiaries of a saturation approach to sex education.

Students in those countries also have 'easy access to contraception at any age. This "enlightened" approach to educateing children on sexuality issues is made possible,^, Ms. Witzenburg orates, because 'political and religious interest groups have little influence." 

Ms. Witzenburg tells us that, for our children's health and safety, we must be 'brave enough to provide all young people with comprehensive sexuality education, respect their rights and trust them to  make responsible decisions."

When contraception is promoted for children, it contravenes major and long standing religious traditions In western Europe and the United States. The traditional support for abstinence and its religious roots has historically been a powerful deterrent to teen-age pregnancy, but one that has not been adequately promoted.

Ms. Witzenburg's approach is to trust the formation of children to "educators" and 'public policy.' No mention Is made of the child's parents. They, not educators, have the primary responsibility to nourish and guide their children in moral and sexual development. It's time to turn away from the moral relativism inherent in her letter and recognize that 'individuals, children and parents are accountable for their actions and will be judge by their Creator who gave us the Ten Commandments as a road map for life.

James. J. Mullaney

Brewster

Value of life is rooted in religion

The use of stem cells extracted from live human  embryos for research and/or "medical" purposes is a form of cannibalism.

The Western world is becoming indifferent to the horrors of one life sacrificed for another.

Why are so many children -- and grown-ups -- mercilessly abused? Why do teenagers kill other teen-agers? Why does so much disrespect and selfishness ,exist today? Because without God, we are valueless, or may be worth $6 or $7 of vitamins, proteins and minerals. Have we forgotten the Holocaust?

The concept of God creating us and redeeming us out of love, completely changes this macabre picture. stem cells can be obtained without killing, teenagers and adults can learn to respect each other, if this underlying belief is held: That we are made in God's lmage and therefore, life is sacred from the germinal to the advanced stages; and is not to be tampered with.

Milvia Cacich

Peekskill