1. Therapeutic –vs- Reproductive Cloning
Scientific Realities, Public Controversy

2. Cloning
The goal of reproductive cloning is to create a new organism, human or animal.
The goal of therapeutic cloning is not to produce a new human being, (which is unsafe under present conditions). But to create adult stem cells that are genetically compatible with that of the recipient.

3. Cloning
Embryonic stem cells are isolated from embryos produced by the union of egg and sperm (zygote)
These stem cells will be genetically unique.
Therapeutic cloning is presently being considered called “nuclear transplantation” since the nucleus and genetic material are being moved from one cell to another.

4. Human Stem Cell Research
Ethical issue is it involves the use of human embryonic tissue (fertilized egg/zygote)
There is presently federal and private funds for human stem cell research.

5. Therapeutic –vs- Reproductive Cloning
Adult stem cells are limited
Stem cells have not been isolated for all tissues of the body Ex: heart & the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas
They are difficult to isolate and purify

6. Minimize Rejection Use patient’s own stem cells - grow them in culture
Downside is that it takes time and there may not be enough time to grow them and use for treatment
Stem cells can have genetic defects in the DNA caused by environmental toxins & exposures

7. Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells
Therapeutic cloning uses unfertilized egg with nucleus removed and fuses it with the genetic material from adult’s body.
This technique does NOT have the potential to become a living “thing”, if transplanted into the uterus of a female.

8. What is the debate about embryonic stem cell research?
The Fundamental Question:
Is a life destroyed if you remove the stem cells from the blastocyst stage on an embryo during development?

9. Issues to be considered if eggs are donated for human stem cell
Should the women be paid for their egg?
Should the women be paid royalties if their egg helps produce an embryonic stem cell line?
Should the infertility clinic be able to sell the unused fertilized eggs to biotechnology company

10. What is the appropriate way to handle the unneeded fertilized eggs?
Should the couples have a right to patent their eggs and sell the eggs instead if not used?
Should their use in any ways be considered illegal?

11. Ethical questions
What safeguards are in place to prevent an embryo produced from being implanted and developing into a fetus?
Should there be restrictions on reproductive cloning?
Do YOU believe human reproductive cloning should be permitted?
Does the USA Congress have an obligation to criminalize any stem cell research that involves creating embryos?

12. Embryos produced…..should they be considered a person in the legal, moral and social sense?
Simply do YOU think the embryo has rights?