Event Information Science & Ethics of Using Preborn for Experimentation in Medical Research

ABOUT THE WEBINAR

The development of treatments often require that scientists use human subjects or parts of the human body to investigate mechanisms and test therapeutics. The underlying goal is to understand what caused the disease and then develop novel therapies to stop the underlying condition, thereby bringing comfort and care to the one suffering. Healing without harm. Ethical guidelines are in place that protect humans in research, and yet fail to protect some of the most vulnerable in our society, including the preborn.

As a result, experiments are allowed to continue in the United States on human embryos and aborted fetuses. Thousands of embryos are created, manipulated, and destroyed to isolate embryonic stem cells or optimize techniques in reproductive medicine, gene editing, cloning, and chimeras. Organs and tissues from unwanted fetuses are collected from abortions and used for basic scientific observation, humanized mice, and to study fetal development. These tissues cannot be used without the deliberate destruction of human life and causing harm.

The scientific means by which embryos and human fetuses are used in research will be presented, along with a discussion of the ethics of this practice, and the many successful alternatives currently available that respect the value of life.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Tara Sander Lee, PhD, is the Senior Fellow and Director of Life Sciences at the Charlotte Lozier Institute in Washington, D.C. Metro, an organization dedicated to policies and practices that protect the sanctity of human life. She is a Scientist with over 20 years of experience in academic and clinical medicine with an emphasis on the cause of pediatric disease. She obtained a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Medical College of Wisconsin and fellowship training at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Sander Lee was an appointed faculty member at the Medical College of Wisconsin for over 15 years, where she directed a research lab investigating congenital heart disease in children and served as Scientific Director of Molecular Diagnostics at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. She served as scientific consultant for various entities, including the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner and TAI Diagnostics. Dr. Sander Lee is published in various medical journals and textbooks and has received recognition for her academic contributions with several awards, including Milwaukee Business Journal’s Forty under 40 Award and the Medical College of Wisconsin’s Outstanding Faculty Service Award. She has published op-eds, been interviewed by local and national media outlets, been invited to speak, give expert testimony, and provide scientific advice for several legislators, policymakers, and organizations. At the Federal level, she is a current member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality, of the Health Resources & Services Administration. Dr. Sander Lee is dedicated to promoting ethical advancements in healthcare and practices that protect the sanctity of human life, with special emphasis on perinatal and early postnatal periods.

HOW TO JOIN

This event is free and open to all Concordia employees, students, and alumni, with no registration required.

Zoom Webinar Link: https://cuwaa.zoom.us/j/99391194083

ABOUT THE SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS

Concordia University’s Center for Bioethics is a Christian academic center that applies God’s Word to issues involving biology and health care through teaching, service, and research. It provides Christ-centered courses, conferences, seminars, information, and guidance to students, professionals, and the general public.

Students for Life actively promotes the sanctity of life both on campus and off, through various activities, including involvement with A Place of Refuge in Milwaukee, and the March for Life in Washington, D.C.