Therapeutic Cloning and Stem Cell Therapy in relation to the South Korean Breakthrough of February 2004

Introduction Politicians, philosophers, lawyers and scientists have been arguing about it for years, but most recent headlines have reignited the simmering debate about therapeutic cloning. Having sent ripples through the scientific and political communities, this issue presents at once radical advantages to medical evolution, and highly controversial moral issues. It seems that the new prospect - using cloned human embryos for medical therapy - will take some time before breaking political and moral barriers to …

…all human cloning. On the practical side, it is not yet understood why one type of cell becomes heart tissue, and another liver. It seems therapeutic cloning is not of practical use at this point. Conclusion: Pro - Cons - Not yet Amidst the benefits and controversies of stem cell therapy, the breakthrough in South Korea has rekindled the long-standing debate about stem cells, but not yet brought the future to our hospitals. Nathania Burrie