ABAC responds to Clonaid's cloned baby claim

"Cloning is not only an immoral act that sacrifices innocent human life for a so-called scientific gain, it is Frankenstein-ish science at its worst and should be outlawed immediately," said Fr. Joseph Howard, director of the American Bioethics Advisory Commission (ABAC), in response to Clonaid's recent announcement that it had successfully cloned a human being. Clonaid is the firm founded by the Raelian religious cult, which believes life on earth was created by space aliens. "While healthily skeptical of Clonaid's claims, this announcement-along with Stanford University's recent talk of human cloning-should be a clarion call to all those who value human life that they must get actively involved in the fight to pass a comprehensive congressional ban on all human cloning.

"The ABAC has been and will continue to be at the forefront of educating the American people and their legislators on the gruesome truth behind much of this grisly so-called science," said Fr. Howard. "The new Congress must commit itself to banning all human cloning - there is no question that incoming Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist should make passing such legislation a top priority."

Fr. Joseph Howard is a published bioethicist who studied at Louisiana State University's School of Medicine and holds degrees in biological sciences and theology. Fr. Howard is the recipient of numerous research awards and fellowships, and has lectured on bioethical issues at universities in Texas and Louisiana. The ABAC is composed of more than 20 recognized experts who hold positions in biochemistry, embryology, endocrinology, family medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, transplant surgery, pediatrics, neonatology, law, philosophy and theology. The function of the ABAC is to render expert opinions on bioethical issues in accordance with respect for the innate dignity and unique nature of all human beings from conception until natural death.

Posted: 31 Dec 02