Stem Cell Stupidity

Today's stem cell editorial makes me wonder if a debate is even possible. Is there a point of even trying to exchange intelligent opinions when someone says:

When the chromosomes begin to split and the cell begins to divide, following the new and unique genetic code created from the mother and father, that is the point at which there is a brand-new human life. That is when God reaches down and says, "Here is your soul. Go and do good things."

Just for the record "Life begins at conception" is a modern idea with no history in early Christian teachings, namely because the notion of conception--a sperm cell joining an egg--was unknown. St. Augustine wrote that abortion was not an act of murder primarily because the mechanics of prenatal development were so poorly understood. Ironically, if it wasn't for science to provide a better understanding of what conception actually is, religious types couldn't have come up with their current talking points.