Russell E. Saltzman

About the author: Russell E. Saltzman is the pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Stover, Missouri, and editor of Forum Letter, an independent Lutheran publication.

Stem cells—cell tissue extracted from human embryos—could potentially provide an endless supply of healthy cells that could be used to regenerate damaged organs. The use of aborted embryos for this or any other purpose is an example of science taken beyond ethical limits. An embryo is a human life, not a piece of research material. From a moral standpoint, it is unacceptable for people to destroy innocent human life for their own benefit.

Remember the story of the guy who died in the flood? A Red Cross boat had come by earlier when the water was above the window sills, but the...