Hubris, benefits and minefields of human cloning: One man's absurdities are a gift to witless stereotypers of scientists
Article Abstract:
Much attention is give to safety issues in debates about the UN Biodiversity Convention. The awareness of the need for political action has been reawakened by the actions of Richard Seed, a Chicago fertility enthusiast, who claims to be ready to undertake experiments in human cloning, and is prepared to undertake the experiments abroad, if prevented from undertaking them in the US. However the value of purely legislative action is limited, and laws need to be based on the consent of individuals, which is turn is based on assessments of the scientific possibilities, as well as the social pitfalls of cloning.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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Short-circuit to be avoided by bioethics committees
Article Abstract:
The French national bioethics committee has decided that it should recommend a ban on human cloning for reproductive purposes. In doing so, it has adopted a moral stance on human cloning, and has thus gone beyond the main purpose of its existence, which is to encourage informed public debate. In many countries across the world, politicians are shifting responsibility for sensitive decisions in this area towards biotechnics committees, and are thus in danger of abandoning their duty to adapt legislative and constitutional provisions on biotechnics to moral, cultural and religious forces in society.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Trust and the bioethics industry
Article Abstract:
Those involved professionally in bioethics are beginning to increasingly voice public concern about the direct impact on the lives of ordinary people of modern genetics and related fields. Growing concern about the ethics of scientific developments may prompt negative developments, including encouraging politicians to turn to traditional institutional remedies, such as strict legislation and expert advisory panels. Bioethics should act to encourage analysis away from the political forum, and should also raise concerns that can become part of the policy-making process.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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