Stem Cell Research and Education (2003)

WHEREAS, there is a grave shortage of organs available for transplantation, leading to thousands of deaths each year;

WHEREAS, serious illnesses and conditions leading to disability and often death may be ameliorated or cured through new technologies;

WHEREAS, the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards overwhelmingly approved a teshuvah "Stem Cell Research" (by Rabbi Elliot Dorff) which permits using human embryonic germ cells from aborted fetuses and embryonic stem cells from frozen human embryos originally created for procreation but now about to be discarded - "for research into creating cures for a number of human ailments";

WHEREAS, the teshuvah further permits creating stem cells for research by combining donated sperm eggs in a petri dish, cloning, or by extracting a cell from an early embryo, under specific conditions;

WHEREAS, the teshuvah limits itself to research for therapeutic purposes and not enhancement; and

WHEREAS, the teshuvah also calls for education of our laity regarding donation of an aborted fetus or unused frozen embryos for the purpose of such life-saving research.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism publicly advocate for the use of human embryonic germ and stem cells for research in all appropriate ways;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism support the use of this technology exclusively for healing purposes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism work with the Rabbinical Assembly to embark on an effort to educate the membership of affiliated congregations regarding the importance of fulfilling this act of hesed, which may lead to the mitzvah of pikuah nefesh.