Not all stem-cell research is created equal.

While Rick Santorum, arguably today’s most high-profile Catholic Republican, would criticize most stem-cell work, he does support the type of ‘ethical’ stem-cell research that Give Cures conducts.

In fact, he will now serve as the spokesman for the Catholic organization.

Give Cures, the John Paul II Stem Cell Research Institute, conducts only Catholic Church OK’d adult stem-cell research and is intended to “respect the dignity of every human life.”

Currently, Give Cures is launching a campaign to fundraise for research, outreach, education and donor matching and has plans to open a cord blood bank.

What earns the Catholic Church stamp of approval for mothers to donate their newborn’s cord blood for stem cell matches?

“Cord blood is not embryonic and provides an ethical approach to stem cell science.”

Key word: not embryonic.

Give Cures is a contrast to Americans for Cures, a foundation dedicated to both embryonic and adult stem-cell research.

“At Americans for Cures Foundation, our mission is to support fellow advocates in the fight for stem cell research and cures. We clarify key issues in breakthrough research. We make sure that our allies get the facts and stay current. For us, science is a light that can dispel the darkness of ignorance and despair.”

However, they prefer the use of embryonic stem cells:

“Unlike adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells are ‘pluripotent.’ These means they have the ability to grow into any and every cell in the body, with the exception of egg and sperm cells. They also have the ability to continue to multiply and exist indefinitely…Scientists believe that, because of their versatility, the potential of embryonic stem cells is even greater than adult stem cells.”

The key medical difference means everything.

“Human life at the earliest stage is still a life: valued, loved and created by God, and I believe to use and kill a human embryo for research is wrong,” Santorum said in a press release.

“Creating ethical stem cell lines for people with rare diseases is ethical and innovative. Our mission, simply put, is to find cures while giving value to the dignity of every life. Through the Institute’s ‘Give Cures’ campaign, we will be doing more than find cures – we will also protect life.”

Santorum is also the chairman of Patriot Voices, a group committed to partnering with organizations that share their mission to promote “faith, family, freedom and opportunity.”