WEEK 10 Feb 25th to March 3rd 2002

   APPROVING CLONING OF HUMANS

   British scientists have been given the green light for cloning of humans. At this stage its "only" a matter of cloning embryos in an early stage of development.
   - But this truly a genuine break-through, says a jubilant researcher. - We expect no trouble when the time of more advanced research and development is called for.
   A committee in the house of lords approved the plans of embryo cloning, submitting that artificial growth of stem cells may have major medical significance. The committee claims that the advantages far exceed the reasons for every moral consideration.
   The very vocal skeptics, however feel that this a merely the first of many steps towards a society where people may order "designerbabies" as easy they go shopping and a host of other horrible uses. Some claim that we already have such a society.
   - This is well-known material, it's claimed. Everything can be bought, including life. ""Our" (British) scientist claim that "we" must do it first, so we won't be left behind… Strangely enough their collegues in other countries are using precisely the same argument…
   - It's very effective.