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CMF describes South Korean human cloning reports as 'grossly overhyped'
Published: 17th February 2004
CMF has described as 'grossly overhyped' recent reports that South Korean scientists have cloned 30 human embryos in order to extract stem cells. In the light of this latest development, CMF has called upon the Government to end the wilful ignorance propagated in the media and be more honest about the dangers of cloning.
Peter Saunders, CMF General Secretary, said, 'The significance of this new development has been grossly overhyped. Virtually all cloned mammals produced thus far have had serious genetic abnormalities implying that the embryos from which they were derived were also abnormal.
'As well as being unsafe, cloning and cannibalising embryos for stem cells in the way that these scientists have is both unnecessary and unethical. A gullible and ill-informed public needs to be better informed of the dangers of cloning and made more aware of the safer and more ethical alternative of using adult stem cells to develop treatments for people with degenerative diseases.'
Saunders continued, 'It is very sad that the British media and public have been consistently misled into seeing cloned embryos as a panacea for diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, by the Government's failure to highlight the dangers and to rectify misconceptions about the use of adult stem cells.
He concluded, 'Selective interpretation and presentation of scientific data is both irresponsible and dangerous because it falsely raises the hopes of vulnerable people. Honest and balanced reporting of scientific facts should always take precedence over the prestige and profit motives of the British government and biotech industry.'
For further information:
Steven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668
Media Enquiries:
Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225
About CMF:
Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949 and is an interdenominational organisation with over 5,000 doctors, 900medical and nursing students and 300 nurses and midwives as members in all branches of medicine, nursing and midwifery. A registered charity, it is linked to over 100 similar bodies in other countries throughout the world.
CMF exists to unite Christian healthcare professionals to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching.
