Human Cloning
A Position Paper of the Florida Catholic Conference

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THE ISSUE
There are documented attempts to clone humans, either for reproductive or so-called “therapeutic” (experimental) purposes.  The cloning process currently being debated is technically known as “somatic cell nuclear transfer.”  It involves removing the genetic material (nucleus) from an unfertilized female egg or ovum (with 23 chromosomes) and replacing it with genetic material from another human cell (a somatic cell with 23 pairs of chromosomes – all the genetic material needed to develop into a person).  Legislation to regulate this technology has been proposed at both federal and state levels.

FCC POSITION – Opposition to Human Cloning
The Florida Catholic Conference is opposed to human cloning.  We stand with many others who do not view cloning as a worthy way to bring a human being into the world.  From a biological standpoint, the formation and the development of the human embryo, regardless of how conceived, constitutes a new human organism who has embarked upon the path of human development that leads to natural death.  Public policies must recognize, respect and care for life and prevent abuse of it.

Plant & Animal Cloning
Cloning of plants and animals or portions of human DNA, when used for the betterment of humanity is not objectionable and may even be desirable under proper guidance.  It should be regulated with the greatest of care and highest ethical standards.

So-Called “Therapeutic” Cloning
So-called “therapeutic” cloning, in which embryos are created (or “reproduced”) and used for development of stem cells, relies upon a utilitarian approach to bioethics.  We disagree with arguments which attempt to justify human cloning, as they fail to recognize the dignity of newly-established humanity in the earliest stages of growth.  In an attempt to act under the duty of beneficence – “to do good,” they neglect the duty to “do no harm,” non-maleficence.

Alternative Approaches
From a purely practical standpoint, we note that studies have shown that other sources of stem cells are available, such as adult tissue, placentas and umbilical cord blood.  These have been shown to be much more efficacious than originally expected and do not involve moral objections. To this point, no effective treatments exist that are derived from destruction of human embryos.

Consistent Ethic of Life
A consistent ethic of life should be applied to cloning, just as it applies to abortion and assisted suicide.  From a moral perspective, we are opposed to cloning of another human being because:

• In order to accomplish this artificially, many human embryos must be destroyed in the process; each of those failed trials involves the taking of an innocent human being.  Each of the embryos has the capacity for developing into a full human.

• Once a new human organism begins and there is physical existence, there must be recognition of and respect for life.

• Cloning by-passes the natural process of creation of a new human being, thus denying a child the natural right to have both a biological mother and father and preventing the child from being nurtured in its mother's womb during the early embryonic stage.

• Human cloning carries with it the increased potential for abuse, human exploitation.

• Human cloning goes against the dignity and sanctity of each individual person.

Science & Ethics
All technological improvement carries with it a responsibility to use it for the betterment of humanity.  Clear public policy is needed to establish guidelines for the intentions of scientists, doctors and others involved in this area.

Faith Perspective
From a faith perspective, God's dominion over creation is a perspective shared by Christians, Jews, Muslims and others.  Human beings are free to be responsible stewards of God's gifts. We must continue to protect that freedom from unrestricted technology.

For Additional Information:
1.     Do No Harm: The Coalition for Research Ethics: http://www.stemcellresearch.org/.
2.     The United States Catholic Conference fact sheets on cloning and reproductive technology:
      http://usccb.org/prolife/issues/bioethic/factsheets.htm
3.    The Florida Catholic Conference’s website page devoted to stem cells research:
      http://www.flacathconf.org/StemCellResearch/StemCellInfoSummary.htm