End never justifies the means

To the editor:

It was with more than a touch of irony that I read the Southeast Missourian's daily prayer in the April 21 issue: "Guard us from evil temptations, O God, and lead us to do good things." The editorial below was about David Landewee, paralyzed in a tragic accident. The Health page contained an article about Jim Trickey, who is suffering from ALS. Both are being treated by a Chinese procedure in which cells obtained from aborted children are implanted in the hope that the nervous system will regenerate.

In 2001 authorities in Canton province ordered Huaiji county to conduct 20,000 abortions and sterilizations before the end of the year after Communist bureaucrats found that the government's official one-child policy was being disobeyed. Personnel with ultrasound equipment were ordered to test women in the region and force abortions on those with unofficial pregnancies. Doctors were ordered to sterilize women as soon as they gave birth.

I have the utmost compassion for David Landewee, Jim Trickey and their families. I pray that God will help them to find the strength to deal with their terrible afflictions.

However, I feel compelled to point out the evil nature of this Chinese procedure. Any use of aborted human cells is wrong, even if a good result is obtained. It is a long accepted ethical maxim that the end never justifies the means. That maxim most certainly applies in this case.

Dr. MICHAEL WULFERS, Cape Girardeau