Stem Cell Research and Cloning: Contemporary Challenges to our Humanity

In August 2004 the government in Britain approved the granting of licences 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 licence 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.

David Gareth Jones CNZM (born 28 August 1940) is a New Zealand academic, and is an emeritus professor at the University of Otago, specialising in neuroscience, bioethics and anatomical education. He has published a number of books, including a textbook on medical ethics, and several books on medicine and theology. In 2004 Jones was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to science and education.

Mary Byrne was previously a research officer at Plunkett Centre for Health Ethics in Sydney, and continues to work in health care in New South Wales.