In August 2004 the government in Britain approved the granting of licenses to research groups who wished to research and develop the cloning of human embryos for therapeutic purposes. The main focus of such research is the attainment of embryonic stem cells, and the development of therapies from such cells. Already some of this research is reported to be happening in South Korea. While they were initially discussed as separate issues in ethical and theological debates, they are now closely intertwined. The first group in England to receive a license predicts that they will be successful within the next few years. This adds an intensity to our need to understand the dimensions of this science and its impact on our life as well as our desire to put a meaning to these developments.
In August 2004 the government ion Britain approved the granting of liscences to research groups who wished to research and develop cloning of human embryos for theraputic purposes. The main focus of such research is the attianment of embryonic stem cells, and the development of therpaies from such cells. Soon some research began in other parts of the world. This collection of essays looks at some of the issues involved. Gareth Jones is a key figure in bioethics from the University of Otago, New Zeland, author of Bioethics: When the Challenges of Life Become too Much, Mary Byrne is an independent schoalr and researcher who previously worked in the administration of the Sisters of Cahrity Health Care System in Australia.
