Why Not to Clone Humans

First off, we can’t even clone animals, yet. The sheep and calves we’ve tried to clone all die or suffer organ failure. It’s just not ready for primetime – and cruelty to animals aside, it’s not fair to clone a kid into a world of medical hell.

Second, and more importantly, cloning circuses like the one opening today on CNN have a terrible public relations effect on the legitimate research of cellular therapy. It’s hard enough to get stem cell research approved in this anti-abortion climate, already. When cloning is associated with crazy, egotistical scientists talking about alien life-seed and acting with dubious medical ethics, it will forestall the treatment and cure of real diseases even longer.

The important thing now is for legitimate researchers to distance themselves as quickly as possible from this sadly irresponsible demonstration of scientific showmanship.