From Stuart Neilson, University College Cork
Sylvia Pagán Westphal writes that parthenogenetically cloned human embryos “die after a few days” and therefore “could never become human beings. So destroying these embryos to obtain stem cells would avoid the ethical concerns that have led to restrictions or bans on embryonic stem cell research in many countries” (26 April, p 17).
I for one am unable to distinguish any ethical difference between the destruction of a human life capable of adulthood and one with an accidental or intentional limitation to its lifespan. As for religious or moral opposition to embryonic research, I am sure that the sanctity of human life does not depend on such limitations in potential lifespan.
Cork, Ireland
