The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops overwhelmingly approved a proposal by their Committee on Pro-Life Activities to draft new documents on embryonic stem-cell research and on reproductive technologies.

As outlined Nov. 13 by Cardinal Justin Rigali of Philadelphia, chairman of the pro-life committee, the stem-cell document would be "a brief policy statement" explaining why the church opposes research involving the destruction of human embryos and would be presented to the bishops for debate and vote in June.

Cardinal Rigali said there is "no authoritative USCCB document on the underlying reasons" for Catholic opposition to embryonic stem-cell research, although there have been many letters by conference leaders and statements from popes and Vatican officials.

"The committee did not want the conference to speak out for the first time" on embryonic stem-cell research in a pastoral document directed at couples dealing with infertility, he said.

The statement on reproductive technologies would be written in collaboration with the bishops' Committee on Doctrine and their Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life and Youth, Cardinal Rigali said, and would have "an appealing and pastoral tone."

Designed as "an educational resource especially for Catholic young adults and engaged and young married couples," the document would explain "why the church objects to certain reproductive technologies," he added. It would come before the USCCB for a vote next November.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of Phoenix said the National Advisory Council had strongly supported the idea of a document on reproductive technologies, citing "a serious lack of knowledge and understanding" of the church's position by the Catholic laity, health care professionals and others.

The bishops endorsed the embryonic stem-cell research document in a 220-2 vote and unanimously backed the idea of a statement on reproductive technologies.

---CNS