In response to breaking news that scientists have grown an artificial early mouse embryo without using egg or sperm, the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC) says any attempt to replicate this work to create artificial human embryos would be a deeply unethical manipulation of human life at its earliest and most vulnerable stage.
Dr Anthony McCarthy says, "Some scientists have made it clear they wish to do so, and if they follow through with that intent, they will be showing their utter disrespect for human life."
"As is often the case, the work has been couched in appealing health terms, with claims that miscarriage could be understood and possibly prevented."
While the Society has deep sympathy for women who suffer miscarriages, using early humans as laboratory fodder can never be justified. Treating human beings at their earliest developmental stages in this way has a corrosive effect on the general respect for human life that should mark a civilized society.
"The uses to which a constant and ready supply of manipulated humans could be put are disturbing at the least and nightmarish at the worst."
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children was founded 50 years ago precisely to uphold the rights of all human beings before birth, from the very first moment of their conception. "The first few hours and days of life are a miracle," says ................. "any scientist with genuine respect for human life can attest to that."
"Those who show no such respect for human life, with more than a little megalomania, are leading us all into a future where control of human life and development will ultimately dehumanize us all."
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