The
Science and Ethics of Reproductive Cloning
Saturday,
April 15, 2006, from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Popular
news magazines report that for $30,000 you can clone your
cat, and soon you will be able to clone your dog. As cloning
technologies advance, so do the hopes and fears of people
around the world—imagining that the reality of human
cloning may be closer than we think. Several organizations
are working to institute a worldwide ban on reproductive
cloning, but many countries oppose such a ban based on the
belief that all cloning techniques should be available in
medical research. While many favor research on therapeutic
cloning for treating human disease and illness, reproductive
cloning for producing offspring has always been far more
controversial. Issues of concern include the fear of eugenics,
safety of current and future technologies, and potential
benefits vs. unknown social and biological consequences.
In this light, panelists discuss the complex moral, ethical
and legal issues that infuse the debate on reproductive cloning.
Science
Presentation:
Dr.
Edward McCabe started the program with a science presentation
explaining the basic science and future course of reproductive
cloning, differentiating myth from reality regarding current
cloning technologies.
Download
Dr. McCabe's PowerPoint presentation by clicking
here.
Panel
Discussion:
Four
featured panelists offered different perspectives on the
science, practice and ethics of cloning. Panelists included: (click
name for bio)
Geoffrey
Cowan, LL.B.—moderator
Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication
at University of Southern California
Lori
B. Andrews, J.D.
Distinguished Professor, Chicago-Kent College
of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology
Associate Vice President, Illinois Institute
of Technology
Edward
R.B. McCabe, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Human Genetics,
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Co-Director, UCLA Center for Society and
Genetics (CSG)
Hassan
Hathout, M.D., Ph.D.
Islamic bioethicist and author of the acclaimed
book Reading the Muslim Mind
Retired Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Kuwait University
Panayiotis
Zavos, Ph.D.
Director, Andrology Institute of America,
Lexington, Kentucky
Associate Director, Kentucky Center for Reproductive
Medicine & IVF
Art
& Science Seminar :
In
conjunction with the panel discussion, a small round-table
seminar pursued the topic from a broader point of view. This
facilitated discussion explored the foundations of our respect
and appreciation for human life through selections of Aristotle’s Nichomachean
Ethics. With the help of this masterpiece of Western
thought, participants interpreted Aristotle’s meaning,
and brought this ethical test to bear on the complexities
of the topic considered in the panel discussion.
Admission
to this Art & Science program was Free
for Members and $10 for non-Members.
MORE
INFORMATION ...
A
Special Exhibit:
A
special exhibit developed by the Dallas Museum of Art entitled After
Life complements the panel discussion and seminar
by exploring perceptions of death, dying and rebirth among
diverse world cultures through art.
If
you would like to participate in our Online Journal discussion
inspired by this exhibit, please visit www.ArtAndScienceStudio.org.
Resources for Further Reading
Overview:
Ethics:
State
Laws:
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Cell Research | Defining
Life and Death | Reproductive Cloning
