Mike RiddleMike Riddle

CloningStem Cells and Life

TopicsTopics PART 1: Cloning - the results PART 2: Stem cells: what are they? PART 3: The sanctity of human life –

when does it begin?

PART 1: Cloning - the results PART 2: Stem cells: what are they? PART 3: The sanctity of human life –

when does it begin?

What Is Cloning?What Is Cloning?

A clone is a genetically identical copy of a living organism, such as the famous sheep ‘Dolly’

Similar to an identical twin

A clone is a genetically identical copy of a living organism, such as the famous sheep ‘Dolly’

Similar to an identical twin

Hello DollyHello Dolly

She was cloned using a cell taken from a healthy six-year-old sheep

She was cloned using a cell taken from a healthy six-year-old sheep

July 5, 1996, Dolly was born at the Roslin Institute, Edinburgh, ScotlandJuly 5, 1996, Dolly was born at the

Roslin Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland

Cloning and the CellCloning and the Cell

Its all about DNAIts all about DNA

Cloning Depends on DNACloning Depends on DNA

NucleusNucleus

Chromosome

ChromosomesChromosomes

1616 5656 2424

ChromosomesChromosomes

7878 4040 4646

The Making of DollyThe Making of DollyStep 1: Take the Nucleus (DNA) out of a

sheep eggStep 1: Take the Nucleus (DNA) out of a

sheep egg

Empty DNADNA

Step 2: Transfer the Nucleus from a sheep cell to a sheep egg

Step 2: Transfer the Nucleus from a sheep cell to a sheep egg

Sheep EggSheep Egg Sheep CellSheep Cell

Good-Bye DollyGood-Bye Dolly

Dolly’s DNA was already 6 years old when she was born - WHY?

Dolly’s DNA was already 6 years old when she was born - WHY?

At age 3 Dolly showed signs of premature aging

Dolly died at 6 years old from progressive lung disease (symptom of old age)

At age 3 Dolly showed signs of premature aging

Dolly died at 6 years old from progressive lung disease (symptom of old age)

It’s all about DNA

ChromosomeChromosome DNADNA

Gene 1Gene 1

Gene 2Gene 2

TelomeresTelomeresTelomeresTelomeres

Telomere Length IllustrationTelomere Length Illustration

0 35 65

1,500

3,000

8,000

Age (years)

Telomere length in base

pairs

Telomere length in base

pairs

More on Dolly and CloningMore on Dolly and Cloning

How many failures will it take to produce a human How many failures will it

take to produce a human

Dolly’s experimenters used 277 cloned embryos to produce one sheep, meaning 276 failed.

Dolly’s experimenters used 277 cloned embryos to produce one sheep, meaning 276 failed.

Question

Other Cloned AnimalsOther Cloned Animals

July 1998 cloned calves

July 1998 cloned calves Cloned

muleCloned mule

Cloned mouseCloned mouse

Other Cloned AnimalsOther Cloned Animals

December 2001

Five cloned female piglets, named Noel, Angel, Star, Joy and

Mary

December 2001

Five cloned female piglets, named Noel, Angel, Star, Joy and

Mary

December 2001

The world's first cloned kitten, named “CC”

December 2001

The world's first cloned kitten, named “CC”

Mother RainbowMother Rainbow

Zeeba-rooZeeba-roo

Future Experiments

Tiger BunnyTiger Bunny

The Bird-fishThe Bird-fish

CatCowCatCow

SparrowBoxerSparrowBoxer

TigerOwlTigerOwl

ButterCatButterCat

CatrillaCatrilla

“You cannot get normal adult animals from clones – it is not a technical problem, it is a genetic problem.”

“You cannot get normal adult animals from clones – it is not a technical problem, it is a genetic problem.”

Rudolph Jaenisch (Stem Cell expert, MIT), Interview with Christopher Scott (executive director of Stem Cell Society, Stanford U. Center for Biomedical Ethics), July 2004.

Rudolph Jaenisch (Stem Cell expert, MIT), Interview with Christopher Scott (executive director of Stem Cell Society, Stanford U. Center for Biomedical Ethics), July 2004.

The Risks of Cloning The Risks of Cloning High failure rate: over 95% Problems during later development

Large Offspring Syndrome (LOS) - larger organs

Kidney or brain malformations and impaired immune systems

Abnormal gene expression patterns Telomere differences

High failure rate: over 95% Problems during later development

Large Offspring Syndrome (LOS) - larger organs

Kidney or brain malformations and impaired immune systems

Abnormal gene expression patterns Telomere differences

Cloning, Life, and EvolutionCloning, Life, and Evolution Cloning is NOT evolution. Cloning

requires intelligent engineering and nothing new is created.

Cloning is NOT evolution. Cloning requires intelligent engineering and nothing new is created.

Darwin convinced many that humans are a non-special species.

Darwin convinced many that humans are a non-special species.

Two Types of CloningTwo Types of Cloning

Reproductive Cloning

Therapeutic Cloning

Reproductive Cloning

Therapeutic Cloning

Question

Is either type of cloning good?Is either type of cloning good?

The Goals of CloningThe Goals of Cloning

The goal of reproductive cloning is to produce a baby

The goal of therapeutic cloning is to produce stem cells for research or treatment

The goal of reproductive cloning is to produce a baby

The goal of therapeutic cloning is to produce stem cells for research or treatment

What are stem cells?

Stem CellsStem Cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESC)

Adult stem cells (ASC)

Embryonic stem cells (ESC)

Adult stem cells (ASC)

Two Types of Stem Cells

1. The ability to self-regenerate

2. The ability to differentiate into other cells

1. The ability to self-regenerate

2. The ability to differentiate into other cells

Stem cells are the body’s master cellsStem cells are the body’s master cells

Human Embryo DevelopmentHuman Embryo Development

4-cell embryo4-cell

embryo8-cell

embryo8-cell

embryoDay 5

Blastocyst Day 5

Blastocyst 2-cell

embryo2-cell

embryo

ICM: Source of embryonic stem cellsICM: Source of embryonic stem cells

Each individual begins as a single cellEach individual begins as a single cell

Self-RenewalMake copies of themselves

Blastocyst ICM: Source of Embryonic Stem Cells

PluripotentESCs can give rise to cells from all three germ layers

Ectoderm Mesoderm Endoderm

(Adult Stem Cells)

DifferentiationDifferentiation

ESC

cell

cell

cellcell

cell

cell

cell

Any cell typeAny cell type

ASC

cell

Cell

Cell

Cell Cell

Cell

Cell

Embryonic Stem Cells (ESC)Embryonic Stem Cells (ESC)

The stem cells, or early embryo, are disrupted from natural development through chemical manipulation to become specific tissue types

Expectation is they will be used to treat unhealthy or diseased tissue

The stem cells, or early embryo, are disrupted from natural development through chemical manipulation to become specific tissue types

Expectation is they will be used to treat unhealthy or diseased tissue

Capable of differentiating into any of 200 cell types in the human body

Capable of differentiating into any of 200 cell types in the human body

Adult Stem CellsAdult Stem Cells

Can use your own cells – do not need a donor

Many clinical advantages over ESCs No tissue rejection Found many places in the body

Can use your own cells – do not need a donor

Many clinical advantages over ESCs No tissue rejection Found many places in the body

An alternative source (does not involve the destruction of human embryos)

An alternative source (does not involve the destruction of human embryos)

Adult (Somatic) Stem CellsAdult (Somatic) Stem Cells

Bone marrow Umbilical cord Blood Blood vessels Skeletal muscle Skin Heart

Bone marrow Umbilical cord Blood Blood vessels Skeletal muscle Skin Heart

Brain Cornea Retina Fat Dental pulp Intestines Hair follicles

Brain Cornea Retina Fat Dental pulp Intestines Hair follicles

Where are they found?Where are they found?

Adult Stem CellsAdult Stem Cells

Currently used to treat over 80 diseasesCurrently used to treat over 80 diseases

Ovarian CancerMultiple MyelomaSystematic LupusCrohn’s DiseaseAcute Heart DamageSpinal Cord InjurySickle Cell Anemia

Ovarian CancerMultiple MyelomaSystematic LupusCrohn’s DiseaseAcute Heart DamageSpinal Cord InjurySickle Cell Anemia

LeukemiaBreast CancerLiver DiseaseCornea RestorationBrain TumorsArthritisHeart Disease

LeukemiaBreast CancerLiver DiseaseCornea RestorationBrain TumorsArthritisHeart Disease

The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, Apr 14, 2005The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, Apr 14, 2005

“Blood from umbilical cords – a byproduct of normal childbirth – is a good source of potentially life-saving stem cells. Transplants of these stem cells have saved the lives of roughly 20,000 Americans with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, and several other illnesses in recent years.”

“Blood from umbilical cords – a byproduct of normal childbirth – is a good source of potentially life-saving stem cells. Transplants of these stem cells have saved the lives of roughly 20,000 Americans with leukemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anemia, and several other illnesses in recent years.”

“By removing a small sample of these cells [limbar stem cells] it was possible to culture a new cornea and graft it on to the damaged eye. The team showed that of 240 patients who were operated on in this way, the cornea regenerated successfully in 70% of cases.”

“By removing a small sample of these cells [limbar stem cells] it was possible to culture a new cornea and graft it on to the damaged eye. The team showed that of 240 patients who were operated on in this way, the cornea regenerated successfully in 70% of cases.”

Cornea Cornea

Restoring EyesightRestoring Eyesight

“Six blind patients have had their eye-sight restored after undergoing pioneering stem cell transplants….

Using stem cells from tissue donors, surgeons grew the cells in the laboratory before transplanting them onto the patients’ eyes.”

“Six blind patients have had their eye-sight restored after undergoing pioneering stem cell transplants….

Using stem cells from tissue donors, surgeons grew the cells in the laboratory before transplanting them onto the patients’ eyes.”

Richard Gray, Science CorrespondentJune, 2008Richard Gray, Science CorrespondentJune, 2008

Breakthrough in Non-Embryonic Stem Cell Research

October 31, 2006

Breakthrough in Non-Embryonic Stem Cell Research

October 31, 2006

Researchers in Great Britain achieved a medical breakthrough by growing a tiny human liver using adult stem cells.

Researchers in Great Britain achieved a medical breakthrough by growing a tiny human liver using adult stem cells.

The 16th annual Biotech conference, “Regenerative Medicine – The Driving Force for Dr. Anthony Atala,” May 14, 2007

The 16th annual Biotech conference, “Regenerative Medicine – The Driving Force for Dr. Anthony Atala,” May 14, 2007

In 1999, scientists transplanted the first laboratory-grown bladders into patients with poor bladder function due to birth defects.

The bladders were grown using the patients’ own stem cells.

In 1999, scientists transplanted the first laboratory-grown bladders into patients with poor bladder function due to birth defects.

The bladders were grown using the patients’ own stem cells.

“China stem cell hopes for cerebral palsy girl”, May 15, 2007, www.telegraph.co.uk“China stem cell hopes for cerebral palsy girl”, May 15, 2007, www.telegraph.co.uk

“A hospital in China has made a breakthrough in treating cerebral palsy. The procedure involves injecting stem cells into the spinal cord fluid. The stem cells then flow directly into the brain.

“A hospital in China has made a breakthrough in treating cerebral palsy. The procedure involves injecting stem cells into the spinal cord fluid. The stem cells then flow directly into the brain.

ContinuedContinued

Cerebral PalsyCerebral Palsy

The treatment at a Neurosurgical Hospital in Beijing has already helped a 19-year-old from Hungary to walk, sit up, swim, concentrate for longer, see better and speak.The two-month treatment in China uses stem cells taken from the umbilical cords [Adult Stem Cells] of healthy babies. These develop into new nerve cells and repair some of the brain damage.”

The treatment at a Neurosurgical Hospital in Beijing has already helped a 19-year-old from Hungary to walk, sit up, swim, concentrate for longer, see better and speak.The two-month treatment in China uses stem cells taken from the umbilical cords [Adult Stem Cells] of healthy babies. These develop into new nerve cells and repair some of the brain damage.”

“Scientists revealed findings of a study which shows that 15 young patients with type one diabetes overcame their dependence on insulin after being treated with their own stem cells.”

“Scientists revealed findings of a study which shows that 15 young patients with type one diabetes overcame their dependence on insulin after being treated with their own stem cells.”

Daniel Martin “Stem cells could spell end for diabetes jabs,” www.dailymail.co.uk, 15 April 2007.

Daniel Martin “Stem cells could spell end for diabetes jabs,” www.dailymail.co.uk, 15 April 2007.

DiabetesDiabetes

Cardiologists at Düsseldorf University Hospital use stem cell therapy to save a patient who suffered from a severe heart attack.

Cardiologists at Düsseldorf University Hospital use stem cell therapy to save a patient who suffered from a severe heart attack.

Stem Cell Therapy Breakthrough for Heart Patients, Sep 18, 2007

Stem Cell Therapy Breakthrough for Heart Patients, Sep 18, 2007

ContinuedContinued

Heart Tissue RegenerationHeart Tissue Regeneration

The therapy involved extracting adult stem cells from the patient's bone marrow and then inserting them. The procedure took about a half hour.The results were immediate, with his heart increasing to 41 percent efficiency from 11 percent before the procedure.

The therapy involved extracting adult stem cells from the patient's bone marrow and then inserting them. The procedure took about a half hour.The results were immediate, with his heart increasing to 41 percent efficiency from 11 percent before the procedure.

Scientists at the University of Düsseldorf have successfully taken bone marrow stem cells from liver cancer patients and used them to regrow liver cells in their patients. Two years after the procedure, six of the eight patients have healthy livers.

Scientists at the University of Düsseldorf have successfully taken bone marrow stem cells from liver cancer patients and used them to regrow liver cells in their patients. Two years after the procedure, six of the eight patients have healthy livers.

Liver Cancer Liver Cancer

Celia Hall, Medical Editor “Stem cell treatment saves liver cancer patients” The Telegraph March 27, 2007

Celia Hall, Medical Editor “Stem cell treatment saves liver cancer patients” The Telegraph March 27, 2007

Washington, DC - March 24, 2008

Stem Cell Implant to the Brain Helps Improve Parkinson's Symptoms

Washington, DC - March 24, 2008

Stem Cell Implant to the Brain Helps Improve Parkinson's Symptoms

“All of the patients with Parkinson's disease who were treated by implantation of stem cells [bone marrow] into the brain have achieved substantial improvement in terms of beneficial changes that were apparent within 1 week of the implant procedure.”

“All of the patients with Parkinson's disease who were treated by implantation of stem cells [bone marrow] into the brain have achieved substantial improvement in terms of beneficial changes that were apparent within 1 week of the implant procedure.”

Embryonic Stem Cells: Three Primary Problems Embryonic Stem Cells: Three Primary Problems

1. The potential for tissue rejection in the cells

2. The propensity to form tumors

3. Abortion

1. The potential for tissue rejection in the cells

2. The propensity to form tumors

3. Abortion

Recent Developments2009 - 2012

United Spinal Association Reports Positive Results of [Adult] Stem Cell Transplantation to Treat Multiple Sclerosis

United Spinal Association Reports Positive Results of [Adult] Stem Cell Transplantation to Treat Multiple Sclerosis

May, 2009 May, 2009

“British scientists have pioneered a breakthrough technique involving adult stem cell research to help patients who may otherwise need a hip replacement. The new technique, which involves the use of a patient's own stem cells, shows adult cells continue to be more promising than embryonic ones.”

“British scientists have pioneered a breakthrough technique involving adult stem cell research to help patients who may otherwise need a hip replacement. The new technique, which involves the use of a patient's own stem cells, shows adult cells continue to be more promising than embryonic ones.”

September, 2009 September, 2009

“In the first procedure of its kind, doctors at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center replaced a 14-year-old boy’s missing cheekbones - in part by repurposing stem cells from his own body.”

“In the first procedure of its kind, doctors at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center replaced a 14-year-old boy’s missing cheekbones - in part by repurposing stem cells from his own body.”

October, 2009 October, 2009

December, 2009 December, 2009

A recent study from Northwestern University in Chicago has shown that transplanting adult stem cells into the heart muscle of subjects with severe angina (chest pain due to blocked arteries) lessens pain and improves the ability to walk.

http://www.ncregister.com/daily/another_adult_stem-cell_advance/

Ian Sample (science correspondent), Mar 2009

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/mar/01/stem-cells-breakthrough

Ian Sample (science correspondent), Mar 2009

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/mar/01/stem-cells-breakthrough

“Scientists' stem cell breakthrough ends ethical dilemma”

ContinuedContinued

“British and Canadian scientists have found a way of reprogramming skin cells taken from adults, effectively winding the clock back on the cells until they were in an embryonic form.

Because the cells can be made from a patient's own skin, they carry the same DNA and so could be used without a risk of being rejected by the immune system.”

“British and Canadian scientists have found a way of reprogramming skin cells taken from adults, effectively winding the clock back on the cells until they were in an embryonic form.

Because the cells can be made from a patient's own skin, they carry the same DNA and so could be used without a risk of being rejected by the immune system.”

Scientists have extracted stem cells from blood vessels removed during operations and used them to stimulate the growth of new arteries.

April 2010

Stem cell breakthrough gives heart patients hope, Robin McKie, science editor, The Observer, Sunday 25 April 2010

June, 2010 June, 2010

Patients blinded in one or both eyes by chemical burns regained their vision after healthy stem cells were extracted from their eyes and re-implanted.The cells grew into healthy corneal tissue, transforming disfigured, opaque eyes into functioning ones with normal appearance.

http://www.smh.com.au/world/stem-cell-use-restores-sight-20100620-ypbt.html

June, 2010 June, 2010

Researchers at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine (New York City) recently achieved the major accomplishment of reprogramming a skin cell to make it beat as a normal heart cell.

http://statenisland.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/120433/converted-stem-cells-to-aid-heart-disease-research-at-mt--sinai

October, 2011 October, 2011 Researchers from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute today announced a new technique to reprogram human cells, such as skin cells, into stem cells. Their process increases the efficiency of cell reprogramming by one hundred-fold and generates cells of a higher quality at a faster rate.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/235741.php

October, 2011 October, 2011

An immune tolerance treatment that has been 30 years in the making has shown promise in a small study where 8 of 12 kidney transplant patients were successfully weaned off their daily immunosuppressive drugs.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/235635.php, and New England Journal of Medicine

The first successful transfusion of “laboratory grown blood” has been given to a human. Scientists extracted blood stem cells from a volunteer’s bone marrow and grew red blood cells. After the cells were cultured, they were injected back into the donor’s body with excellent results, …. The cells functioned just like normal blood cells, effectively carrying oxygen around the body.

Allvoices Paris, France, Nov 12, 2011 “Artificial Blood Created from Stem Cells and Given to a Human”

University of Central Florida researchers, for the first time, have used stem cells to grow neuromuscular junctions between human muscle cells and human spinal cord cells, the key connectors used by the brain to communicate and control muscles in the body.

ScienceDaily, Nov. 22, 2011

Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore were able to treat 17 heart attack patients with cells grown from their own heart tissue. Not only did this show that the procedure was safe, it also showed that the cells can help reduce scarring and even cause new heart muscle to grow.

Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore were able to treat 17 heart attack patients with cells grown from their own heart tissue. Not only did this show that the procedure was safe, it also showed that the cells can help reduce scarring and even cause new heart muscle to grow.

February 13, 2012February 13, 2012

Experiments using embryonic stem cells have yielded no cures or practical benefits since they were first identified in 1981.

Since 2001 adult stem cells have been used to treat damaged and even severed spinal cords.

Stem Cell FactsStem Cell Facts

Score CardScore Card

Multiple Sclerosis

Heart disease

Chron’s Disease

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS)

Multiple Sclerosis

Heart disease

Chron’s Disease

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS)

Stem Cell Treatments

ADULT EMBRYONIC

80 + 0

PART 3The Sanctity of Human Life

PART 3The Sanctity of Human Life

18% of U.S. women obtaining abortions are teenagers

37% of women obtaining abortions identify as Protestant and 28% as Catholic

Source: Jones RK, Finer LB and Singh S, Characteristics of U.S. Abortion Patients, 2008, New York: Guttmacher Institute, 2010.

85 % of women having abortions are unmarried

Who Is Having Abortions?Who Is Having Abortions?

Two Important QuestionsTwo Important Questions

When do we become a person?

When does human life begin?

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

Ps 139:13-14a

The Bible and Human LifeThe Bible and Human Life

Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb

Isaiah 44:2

The Bible and Human LifeThe Bible and Human Life

The Unborn and GodThe Unborn and God

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.

And in Your book they all were written,

The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.

Psalm 139:16

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Ephesians 1:4

The Bible and Human LifeThe Bible and Human Life

Two Important QuestionsTwo Important Questions

When do we become a person?

When does human life begin?

Before the foundation of the world

The Human BabyThe Human Baby

30 weeks: By this time the baby is completely formed and will continue to develop until delivery. The baby may also be able to recognize voices outside the womb.

30 weeks: By this time the baby is completely formed and will continue to develop until delivery. The baby may also be able to recognize voices outside the womb.

TimelineTimeline

ConceptionConception BirthBirth3030

The Human BabyThe Human Baby

20 weeks: Eyebrows and scalp hair are visible and the baby blinks often.

20 weeks: Eyebrows and scalp hair are visible and the baby blinks often.

26 weeks: Brain wave patterns resemble those of a full term baby at birth. Eyes are partially open and eyelashes present. Sucking and swallowing present.

26 weeks: Brain wave patterns resemble those of a full term baby at birth. Eyes are partially open and eyelashes present. Sucking and swallowing present.

ConceptionConception BirthBirth26262020

TimelineTimeline

The Human BabyThe Human Baby

10 weeks: Brain structure is complete and the brain mass increases rapidly. Socket for all twenty teeth are formed in gums. Face has human appearance.

10 weeks: Brain structure is complete and the brain mass increases rapidly. Socket for all twenty teeth are formed in gums. Face has human appearance.

14 weeks: Ability to move head, mouth, lips, arms, wrists, hands, legs, feet, and toes.

14 weeks: Ability to move head, mouth, lips, arms, wrists, hands, legs, feet, and toes.

18 days: The heart is forming and the eyes are developing.

18 days: The heart is forming and the eyes are developing.

Seventh week: fingers and toesSeventh week: fingers and toes

At 10 weeks, the baby can move arms and legs with a range of

movements that are fluid and flexible

At 10 weeks, the baby can move arms and legs with a range of

movements that are fluid and flexible

12 week old baby performing walking movements in the womb

Brain begins to coordinate contraction of muscles

12 week old baby performing walking movements in the womb

Brain begins to coordinate contraction of muscles

Babies produce a motion approximating yawning from as early as 12 weeks Babies produce a motion approximating yawning from as early as 12 weeks

Grasping begins early and becomes better established during the last trimester. Babies grasp hands, feet, fingers, toes and, most commonly, their umbilical cords.

Grasping begins early and becomes better established during the last trimester. Babies grasp hands, feet, fingers, toes and, most commonly, their umbilical cords.

Hand grasping feet

20 weeks20 weeks

Arms on top of headArms on top of head

30 Weeks30 Weeks

YawningYawning SmilingSmiling

21 Weeks21 Weeks

29 weeksSucking thumb

29 weeksSucking thumb

31 weeks31 weeks

EyesEyes

NoseNose

When Does Life Begin?When Does Life Begin?

“I have learned from my earliest medical education that human life begins at the time of conception…”

“I have learned from my earliest medical education that human life begins at the time of conception…”

Dr. Alfred Bongioanni, Professor of Obstetrics at the University of PennsylvaniaDr. Alfred Bongioanni, Professor of Obstetrics at the University of Pennsylvania

When Does Life Begin?When Does Life Begin?

“It is no longer a matter of taste or opinion. Each individual has a very neat beginning, at conception.”

“It is no longer a matter of taste or opinion. Each individual has a very neat beginning, at conception.”

Dr. Jerome LeJeune (Genetics Professor), Subcommittee on Separation of Powers to Senate Judiciary Committee, 1981.

Dr. Jerome LeJeune (Genetics Professor), Subcommittee on Separation of Powers to Senate Judiciary Committee, 1981.

When Does Life Begin?When Does Life Begin?

“It is scientifically correct to say that an individual human life begins at conception.”

“It is scientifically correct to say that an individual human life begins at conception.”

Micheline Matthews-Roth (Professor Harvard Medical School), 1981.Micheline Matthews-Roth (Professor Harvard Medical School), 1981.

“Human pregnancy begins with the fusion of an egg and a sperm, ….”

Bruce Carlson, Human embryology and Developmental Biology, 1994, p.3.

What a pregnant woman never says:What a pregnant woman never says:

The blob of tissue kicked me My fetus kicked me

The blob of tissue kicked me My fetus kicked me

It is always, “My baby kicked me.”It is always, “My baby kicked me.”

5 months

5 months

10 weeks

10 weeks

21 Weeks in the Womb21 Weeks in the Womb

Picture by Michael Clancy, 1999Picture by Michael Clancy, 1999

Sarah Marie Switzer

Sarah Marie Switzer

“I was totally in shock for two hours after the surgery…. I know abortion is wrong now – it’s absolutely wrong.”

“I was totally in shock for two hours after the surgery…. I know abortion is wrong now – it’s absolutely wrong.”

Michael Clancy, Photojournalist, 1999.Michael Clancy, Photojournalist, 1999.

Two Important QuestionsTwo Important Questions

When do we become a person?

When does human life begin?

Before the foundation of the world

At conception

“The demand that defective people be prevented from propagating equally defective offspring. . . represents the most humane act of mankind.” Mein Kampf, vol. 1, ch. 10, 1925.

Adolf Hitler, April 1889 - April 1945

Margaret SangerMargaret Sanger

Margaret Sanger (1879 – 1966) Founder of Planned Parenthood

“The most merciful thing that a large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it.” 

Margaret Sanger, Women and the New Race, Eugenics Publ. Co., 1920, 1923.

A hand taken from the discarded remains of an abortion

A hand taken from the discarded remains of an abortion

Destruction of Human LifeDestruction of Human Life

Herod Kills the ChildrenHerod Kills the Children

Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under…

Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under…

Matthew 2:16Matthew 2:16

This was a horrifying act

There have been more than 50 million abortions in the U.S. since

the Supreme Court legalized unrestricted killing of babies on

January 22, 1973

There have been more than 50 million abortions in the U.S. since

the Supreme Court legalized unrestricted killing of babies on

January 22, 1973

MotherhoodMotherhood

“After a women is pregnant, she cannot choose whether or not she wishes to become a mother. She already is… all that is left to decide is whether she will deliver her baby dead or alive.”

“After a women is pregnant, she cannot choose whether or not she wishes to become a mother. She already is… all that is left to decide is whether she will deliver her baby dead or alive.”

Mary O’Brien Drum, “Meeting in the Radical Middle,” Sojourners, Nov. 1980.Mary O’Brien Drum, “Meeting in the Radical Middle,” Sojourners, Nov. 1980.

The Results of Evolution TeachingThe Results of Evolution Teaching

Pro-abortion movement is based largely on evolution thinking (Darwinism)

Pro-abortion movement is based largely on evolution thinking (Darwinism)

Mankind is just another animal Mankind is just another animal

“When contraception fails, pregnancy can be terminated by abortion.”

Textbook: Biology: Life on Earth, 2005, p. 739.

Some TermsAnd

Tricks of the Trade

But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving

and being deceived.

2 Timothy 3:13

What is a Fetus?What is a Fetus?

Fetus is a Latin word translated ‘offspring,’

‘young one,’ or ‘little one.’

Fetus is a Latin word translated ‘offspring,’

‘young one,’ or ‘little one.’

Toddler and AdolescentToddler and Adolescent

Refer to humans at particular stages of development.Refer to humans at particular stages of development.

Fertilization (Conception)Fertilization (Conception)

Sperm: part of one human (23 chromosomes)

Oocyte (egg): part of one human (23 chromosomes)

Each possess human life, but are not living human beings

Fertilization (Conception)Fertilization (Conception)

Sperm: part of one human (23 chromosomes)

Oocyte (egg): part of one human (23 chromosomes)

Combine to form a new unique human being (46 chromosomes

An embryonic, single-celled human zygote

Living OrganismsLiving OrganismsEach kind of living organism has a specific number of chromosomes that are characteristic for the species

Mosquito 2Tomato 24Alligator 32Earthworm 36Pig 38Cat 38

Rabbit 44Human 46Potato 48Chimpanzee 48Cow 60Dog 78

Humans and ChromosomesHumans and Chromosomes

Every human somatic (body) cell has 46 chromosomes Every human somatic (body) cell has 46 chromosomes

The Sanctity of Human LifeThe Sanctity of Human Life

Responding to common challenges

Challenge 1Challenge 1

Pro-lifers claim that the abortion of a human embryo is wrong because it destroys human life. But human sperms and eggs are also human life.

Challenge 1 ResponseChallenge 1 ResponseThere is a scientific difference between sperm and egg (part of human life – 23 chromosomes) and the human embryo. The embryo has 46 chromosomes which is characteristic of all human life. Therefore, destroying a human sperm or egg does not constitute abortion.

Information

Challenge 2Challenge 2

The product of fertilization is just a “blob,” or bunch of cells.

The product of fertilization is just a “potential” or “possible” human being – not a real existing human being.

Challenge 2 ResponseChallenge 2 Response

The human embryo formed at fertilization is a whole human being (46 chromosomes), because it contains all the information for continued growth and development. Therefore it is not just a “blob” or a bunch of cells.

Information

Albert Mohler (President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary), Weblog, Sep 2010

“A closer look at that statement will reveal that, once it is denied that life begins at conception, there is no real scientific answer to the question of when life does begin.”

www.albertmohler.com

Challenge 3Challenge 3

A single-cell human embryo is not a human being because it does not look like a human being.

Challenge 3 ResponseChallenge 3 ResponseA single-cell human zygote, or a more developed human embryo, or human fetus is a human being. That is the way they are supposed to look at those particular periods of development.

Baby - Toddler - Adolescent - Adult

Zygote - Blastocyst - Embryo - Fetus

Challenge 4Challenge 4

The embryo and the embryonic period (human life) begin at implantation (6 - 10 days).

Implantation: The act of the fertilized egg attaching to the uterine wall.

“Finally, the fertilized egg, now properly called an embryo, must enter the uterus, where it sinks into the uterine lining (implantation) to be nourished by the mother.”

Bruce Carlson, Human embryology and Developmental Biology, 1994, p.3.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1828 and 1913) defined “pregnant” as “having conceived” (or “the state of a female who has conceived”).

Noah Webster

The 26th edition of Stedman’s Medical Dictionary defined conception as the “act of conceiving, or becoming pregnant; fertilization of the oocyte [egg].”

Stedman’s Medical Dictionary, 26th edition (Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1995), p. 377.

“This implantation process begins on day six following fertilization and can continue until around day nine. Some now suggest that it is not until this time that the zygote can be called human life. However, achieving implantation does not make the individual more human; rather, implantation makes the individual more likely to survive.”

Tommy Mitchell, M.D., The New Answers Book 2, 2008, p. 316.

Challenge 5Challenge 5The product of fertilization, up to 14 days, is not an embryo; it is just a ‘pre-embryo’ and therefore it can be used in experimental research, aborted or donated.

Challenge 5 ResponseChallenge 5 Response

There is no such thing as a pre-embryo. The term is a myth that dates back to at least 1979 to justify experiments (and abortion).

Roana O‘Rahilly and Faiola Muller, Human Embryology & Teratology (3rd ed.) (New York: Wiley-Liss, 2001)

Challenge 6Challenge 6

The morning after pill (emergency contraception), RU486, the IUD, and the new Ella drug do not cause abortions, they are just methods of contraception.

Challenge 6 ResponseChallenge 6 Response

These can all cause an abortion if fertilization has taken place. They would then act to prevent the implantation of an already existing human embryo. If the human embryo is prevented from implanting into the uterus the embryo dies.

The FDA and the RU-486 DrugApril 2011

The FDA and the RU-486 DrugApril 2011

15 women in the United States have died from using RU-486 (mifepristone) abortion drug and 2,207 women have been injured.

Medical Problems with RU-486Medical Problems with RU-486

612 women required hospitalizations 339 experienced blood loss significant

enough to require a transfusion 256 experienced infections 48 women experienced what the FDA

labeled as “severe infections.”

612 women required hospitalizations 339 experienced blood loss significant

enough to require a transfusion 256 experienced infections 48 women experienced what the FDA

labeled as “severe infections.”

Challenge 7Challenge 7

Why are Christians are against a woman’s right to choose?

Challenge 7: ResponseChallenge 7: Response Christians are not against a woman's

right to choose her own future We are against women choosing to

destroy others futures (unborn babies) We are for women knowng the truth

about abortion We are for upholding the authority of

God’s Word

There are no good reasons for killing a child

There are no good reasons for killing a child

Our CreatorOur CreatorBut God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)

Ephesians 2:4-5

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