HGA
(1) today condemned the irresponsible claims by the Raelian cult to
have produced a baby through cloning. Unless such claims are
proven by independent DNA testing, no one should accept them. Today's announcement must
not weaken international resolve to ban cloning: on the contrary,
they should spur the world's governments to put aside their
ideological differences on stem cell research, and immediately
outlaw reproductive cloning.
It is imperative that such an unethical and dangerous
practice is not permitted in civilised societies. Because of risks to the
child, efforts to clone a human being contravene all international
medical ethics rules.
HGA
believes it is unlikely in the extreme that human reproductive
cloning is possible at present. Scientific evidence suggests
that humans are amongst the most difficult species to clone, and
there is no published scientific groundwork, upon which the Raelians
could base their efforts.
This cult has no scientific record which would give
credibility to their claims.
HGA's
Director, Dr David King, said: "These claims have very little to do with
reality, and are more about a cult's ploy to boost membership and
funds by publicising itself.
It is to the shame of the international community that it has
not criminalised cloning in all countries. Today's announcement must
lead to action."
For
more information contact Dr David King +44 (0)20 7704
6100.