John F. Kilner

About the author: John F. Kilner is director of the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity in Bannockburn, Illinois.

Human cloning research would be unethical because it would inevitably cause the deaths of human embryos. Further, cloning a human for a particular purpose would violate that person's Godgiven human dignity by subordinating his or her existence to the interests of others. Cloning research should not be permitted for any purpose.

Cigar, the champion racehorse, is a dud as a stud. Attempts to impregnate numerous mares have failed. But his handlers are not discouraged. They think they might try to have Cigar cloned.

If a sheep and a monkey can be cloned—and possibly a racehorse— can human clones be far behind? The process is novel, though the concept is not.

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