Response to column
J. Samuel Tovar, M.D.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
AFTER READING the Gazette for years, but writing in only once and nearly 18 years ago, I finally felt motivated to respond to Don Coldsmith. His opinions on human life and stem cell research has prompted me to write this letter.
First, during my medical practice (which is still ongoing), I have delivered 300-plus babies and counting. My college degree was in biology with an emphasis on micro and cellular biology. This background has contributed to the reverence I have towards human life from the conception to death. The true facts are that a fertilized egg is entirely human and a different DNA makeup than the contributing components. Let’s not forget that sperm and egg do not combine without a purpose. We cannot make a new life by any amount of rubbing of the skin cells of a female and the skin cells of a male. The functions of these special reproductive cells are to produce a new HUMAN being.
It is true that many fertilized eggs self-abort. But spontaneous abortion is a different thing than a forced abortion. I fail to capture the reasoning that suggest that because these little cells turn themselves off we should feel free to kill these cells as it would suite us. For a sneak preview of where the latter reasoning leads us, look to China. Here abortions and infanticide for sex selection is common practice. Don mentioned womens rights; ironically, the murdered fetuses and babies are nearly uniformly female. Don mentioned something about the ability to survive outside the womb. Technology has given us the ability to care for increasingly smaller babies. In past generations, having a birth 2 months early would be considered extremely early. Now, the threshold of viability is at around 24 weeks (about 4 months early) and continues to move very slowly backwards. Is the child any less human because he/she was born at 24 weeks and requires IV feeds and oxygen, vs. 40 weeks and needs only oral nourishment?
As a Christian, and a physician, I am not opposed to stem cell research. I am opposed to the harvesting of stem cells from embryo’s. Stem cells can be harvested from umbilical cords, from placentas, and from adults with no ethical concerns. This controversy strikes me as more financially motivated than moral. It is certainly cheaper to abort embryos and then harvest their stem cells. The other life-honoring methods involve more cost and paperwork. I think we should pay the extra money to do the right thing.
We are becoming a nation of convenience, hedonism, and self-preservation. Technology has and continues to do wonderful things, but has outpaced our ability to act in a moral manner. People will go to great lengths in order to look better, feel better, and live longer, with the misguided thought that these things will bring lasting happiness. Only one person is known as the “Great Physician” and can bring everlasting health. Dr. Coldsmith, son of a minister, Sunday school teacher, and a person of influence — I believe God still speaks, and I believe He speaks to you. But do you remember what His voice sounds like and are you truly ready to listen?
mickeyb (anonymous) says...
I have to say AMEN to your courage, as a physician, to voice your opinion on a such a controversial subject. Your view is shared and wouldn't it be nice if we did remember that it is He who has the final say. When that day comes, will it be technology that gets us to heaven? Don't think so.
November 7, 2007 at 1:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
proverbs18_21 (anonymous) says...
Dr. Tovar,
I too say AMEN and commend you greatly on taking such a public stance on this issue as a physician. I could not agree with you more. Thank you for putting to print what many of us feel.
November 7, 2007 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
Amen! Wonderful article Dr. Tovar.
November 7, 2007 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Flips (anonymous) says...
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Dr. Tovar so much for writting this & taking the stand you did!
Blessings to you & yours!
November 7, 2007 at 3:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
horsequeen (anonymous) says...
Amen to you Dr. Tovar.. What a better world we would have if more felt like you .God Bless you and keep you safe wrapped in his arms!!!!
November 7, 2007 at 3:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jerrod3021 (anonymous) says...
Bravo, Dr. Tovar!
I am often so saddened by things I read in opinion columns. Thank you for showing me that Christ's love & God's courage are still alive & well.
I will also extend a word of thanks on behalf of all the unborn children who's mother's will think twice about ending their lives prematurely because of courageous physicians as yourself.
May God bless you & your family.
November 7, 2007 at 5:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporialifer (anonymous) says...
Thank you Dr. Tovar! You said it all so eloquently. I can only ditto the above praises.
November 7, 2007 at 6:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shoehorn (anonymous) says...
I couldn't have said it better! Thank-you for the clarity.
November 7, 2007 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hjcary (anonymous) says...
Thank you so much for this, everything you said is so true and there are agenda's out there trying to convince society that killing embryos is the only way. When I was pregnant with my first child I did not get my paperwork in in time to donate my umbilical cord blood. I think I was able to donate with my second child but with my third and fourth I was told they did not need it there was an over abundance or something to that effect so there is not shortage of umbilical cord blood to work with and not have to kill other children.
Thank you again. From a fellow Christian in the medical field.
November 7, 2007 at 7:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kansan (anonymous) says...
Well done, Dr. Tovar! Very nicely written. The best I've seen on this issue.
Thank you.
November 7, 2007 at 8:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )