Lobbying by religious organizations in the United States on embryonic stem cell research

This thesis examines the political activism of religious organizations in the United States surrounding the topic of embryonic stem cell research. This thesis draws a comparison between the political activity of these organizations on the subject of abortion and on the subject of embryonic stem cell research. This comparison is relevant because both the abortion and embryonic stem cell research procedures involve a similar outcome, the destruction of a human embryo. Most denominations have developed a policy on abortion and many have been politically active on the subject. However, only a few religious denominations have developed a policy on embryonic stem cell research and even fewer have engaged politically to try to influence public policy. This is surprising, given a history in the United States of political activism by religious denominations and large ecumenical organizations.