Gvt. Moves to Allow Human Embryo Cloning

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) decided to legislate the human embryo cloning for the purpose of researches on the incurable diseases and obtaining stem cells. However, huge debates are expected because the decision of the government is different from the agreement with the representatives of social groups.

MST announced on 6th that the government will set for the legislation of `stem cell research act` to allow the human embryo cloning to obtain stem cells.

MST reported the bill to the Cabinet meeting on 5th and is planning to submit the bill to the National Assembly during the general session in September.

The stem cell research act will allow the embryo cloning but the research on the embryo cloning, which may bring about ethical debates, must be approved by the stem cell research committee.

In addition, `individual cloning,` the implantation of the cloned embryo into a womb to create a cloned human being, will be prohibited and the violators will be punished severely.

Lee Jae-Young, Director of Bio-Ecological Technology Bureau, explained that “when the embryo cloning is prohibited, the research on the stem cell that is crucial for the medical revolution will be deterred and the legislation of the embryo cloning for the purpose of research on the incurable diseases is an international trend.”

However, Bio-Ethics Consultative Committee (chairperson Jin Kyo-Hoon) under MST composed of the representatives of scientists, medical doctors, civic organizations, and religious organizations, decided to prohibit the human embryo cloning last year after heated debates.

dongho@donga.com