Issued September 7, 2004:

Proposition 71 involves the technology of human embryonic cloning, cannot be justified from an ethical perspective, promises what may not happen, and is a financial boondoggle. For these reasons, the Catholic bishops of California strongly oppose the Embryo Cloning and Stem Research Bond Act, which will be on the November 2, 2004 ballot.

It should be stated that we are not opposed to stem cell research. We approve and encourage research that uses cells derived from adults and umbilical-cord blood, and we rejoice at the phenomenal cures that some have experienced because of that research. Using the God-given talents of scientists to make breakthroughs like that can be awe-inspiring, and the work of these scientists brings glory to our Creator and new hope to people who are suffering.

However, we oppose this initiative for the following reasons:

---Proposition 71 will fund human embryonic stem cell research. Drawing stem cells from an embryo always directly kills that human embryo, and killing human life is never justified even when the intent is to benefit other humans. Obtaining even basic goods for oneself at the cost of innocent life is contrary to the deepest ideals of our nation.

---Proposition 71 will fund human embryonic cloning, what scientists call "somatic cell nuclear transfer." Such a technological procedure amounts to playing God with the mystery of human life, and it is morally wrong.

---Proposition 71, in its fine print, initially denies funding for adult and umbilical cord blood stem cell research (an area of research that is morally good), even though all the medical breakthroughs have occurred in this area.

---It is socially unjust to launch a $3 billion new state bureaucracy when vital programs for health, education, police and fire services are being cut.

We pray for scientists and politicians as they strive to discern the right way to use our resources in the important field of medical research. We pray that they will resist the temptation to abandon moral principle, in particular the principle that the end never justifies the means. That principle, a cornerstone of our Western civilization, has already been abandoned in the wording of Proposition 71.

For that reason we join with many other groups, liberal and conservative, Republicans and Democrats, medical professionals and stem cell researchers, in urging a no vote on Proposition 71.