Hwang Woo-Suk States That Cloning of Human Impossible For Decades
Related News: Cloning NewsHwang Woo-Suk, from Korea and known as one of the world's cloning pioneers said this week that the cloning of human beings would remain an impossible and dangerous fantasy for decades to come.
"Human cloning is not only ethically outrageous and medically dangerous, but technically impossible as well," said Hwang. Dr. Hwang would know best, as last year created the world's first cloned human embryonic stem cells.
"Cloned human beings are merely a science fiction fantasy. I can assure you that on this globe, you'll never bump into a cloned human being at least within 100 years."
Hwang stated that he is dedicated to the pursuit of scientific research in a field that could provide huge health benefits despite the ethical debate.
"I believe I'm doing what I should do as a scientist," Hwang told reporters here, declining to enter into a debate on concerns raised by pro-lifers and religious groups regarding the destruction of human embryos in embryonic research.
US President George W. Bush has threatened to veto any legislation that eases restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research in the United States.
"I would hold myself responsible if these attacks against this research continue in 10 years' time," Hwang said, suggesting that ethical and religious concerns would be outweighed by the medical benefits obtained from the research.
Posted on June 9, 2005 12:52 PM