CHINESE SCIENTIST CLONE TWO MACAQUE MONKEYS

Using a two-decade old method, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), scientists in Shanghai reported last week that they successfully cloned two macaque monkeys, Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua.

SCNT involves transplanting the nucleus of a cell (which includes its DNA) into an egg that has had its original nucleus removed.

The first SCNT breakthrough came in 1996 when Scottish scientists used the method to produce Dolly the sheep, the first mammal clone.

Commenting on the Dolly cloning, the Pontifical Academy for Life issued a statement in 1997 acknowledging "there is a place for research, including cloning in the vegetable and animal kingdoms, wherever it answers a need or provides a significant benefit for man or for other living beings, provided that the rules for protecting the animal itself and the obligation to respect the bio-diversity of species are observed."

However, the Vatican Academy asserted, human cloning, for whatever purpose, was — and should forever remain — thoroughly condemned.

Since then, scientists have used SCNT to clone more than 20 other species, including dogs, rabbits, cows and pigs.  

But until now successful cloning of primates, the highest order of mammals, had proven elusive. 

To produce just two monkey clones, scientists had to implant 79 cloned embryos into 21 surrogates. Six pregnancies resulted. Four macaques were born. One died from impaired body development, another from respiratory failure. Only Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua remain. 

As expected, this recent breakthrough is now stoking debate over human reproductive cloning. 

Though human cloning for reproduction is forbidden in many countries, many fear that it is only a matter of time before that step is taken.  

Still, in Shanghai, the Director of the Insitute of Neuroscience, Muming Poo, who oversaw the primate experiment, said that even though the technical barrier to human cloning is now broken, "There is no intention to apply this method to humans."

"The reason ... we broke this barrier is to produce animal models that are useful for medicine, for human health," he maintained.

In response, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, found the justification for the experiment dubious and disturbing.

Certainly, genetic engineering is bringing humanity closer and closer to the possible horrors of a brave new world full of uncertainties about the unique role and place of the individual human person.

And while I commend Cardinal Bagnasco for his candor in commenting on the recent successful cloning of the macaque monkeys, I believe that the advancement of human science and the achievements which have been made in the field of genetic engineering hold the promise of untold benefits especially in the field of medicine and therapeutic treatment of all sorts of human maladies.

The age old wisdom, however, still applies and should guide all those who apply their talents and expertise in the fields of science and technology:  “not all that is possible is right or morally permissable.”

The Church needs to engage in dialogue with scientists and technologists so that humanity can advance in wisdom and knowledge but in a way that is respectful of the Will of the Creator.

What thinkest you?