Are We Ready For Cloning?
0 comments | Posted by Steven Layson on 29 Oct 2006 in From Steve's Study ::
We live in a beautiful but broken world, a world that, by God’s good grace, we are able to explore, use and manipulate. The more we see and understand, the more complex it seems. The more we can do, the greater the demands on us to be wise and discerning. Modern science has conquered many realms and now our bodies have become the latest arena of exploration, and manipulation – with the promise of great personal gains of ourselves and those we love. What was considered science fiction only a matter of years ago is no longer fantasy but reality. we are now assured that diseases that were considered incurable are only a matter of years away from a cure.
In the past two weeks two private members bills have been presented to the Federal Parliament, further opening the way for experimentation on embryos. These Bills open the way for the creation of cloned human embryos; allow for the creatioin of embryos with more than two genetic parents; and even permit the creation of human-animal embryos (hybrids). It is almost certain that one of these Bills will be debated by the Febderal Senate prior to their end of business for the year (first week in November 2006). Many of the relaxations that are being suggested are the same as those that in 2002 were debated and unanimously rejected by the Parliament.
I want to suggest four broad questions relating to the proposed Bills, which are at the heart of the matter:
- Are we ready to create human embryos solely for the purpose of destroying them for research?
- Are we ready to create human clones?
- Are we able to protect women as the technology emerges?
- How realistic are the promises of those pushing for the changes?
The key issue seems to be the status of the embryo. Science can tell us all sorts of imformation about them and proclaim all manner of potential cures that can result from using their amazing potential. However, it cannot answer the more fundamental question: Who or What is this thing we call the embryo? Is it just a little clump of cells that has no more significance than a flake of skin, or is it a new human individual, full of life and possibilities, worthy of respect, love, and the protection of others. This is not a simple debate with simple answers from the Bible, but nevertheless there is good reason (Biblical, scientific, and philosphical) to understand the embryo as a human individual.
But what can do? Find out more, sign petitions against these proposed changes, or even better, write to the Federal senators assigned to your State. Our politicians will decide from their own views and their understanding of the sentiments of the electorate. The Christian voice should be heard on issues like this – issues of life, death and protection of the most vulnerable in our society.
[Extracts from an article by Dr Andrew Ford. Read the full article at www.your.sydneyanglicans.net/indepth/clone_wars_2/]
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