The inadequacies of absolute prohibition of reproductive cloning.
This study reviews debates on human cloning and its benefits, considers international and domestic laws, and argues that the choice of reproductive means is a human right. In exercise of this right, a balanced approach should be adopted, in order to benefit human society while protecting human dignity adequately. The immaturity of cloning techniques indicates that at the present time human reproductive cloning is too risky. Thus a temporary ban on such cloning is appropriate, but the ban on relevant scientific research and animal experimentation is inappropriate as it denies the spirit of freedom of scientific inquiry, and hinders making the benefits of scientific advancement available to human society as a whole.
Lee
Martin Lishexian
ML
Supreme Court of Tasmania. martinllee@yahoo.com.au
D002170:Canada; D019976:Cloning, Organism / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D032984:Ethics, Research; D005053:Eugenics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005060:Europe; D006806:Human Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D009014:Morals; D009520:New Zealand; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D012099:Reproductive Techniques / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012106:Research / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014481:United States