Human cloning is the creation of one or more human beings who is/are genetically identical to another.

UK law currently does not allow reproductive cloning (the creation of a new person who is genetically identical to another human being) but there is no explicit ban on cloning.

Therapeutic cloning (embryo cloning) refers to the use of cloning techniques to initiate the growth of embryos in order to create new organs or cells for medical and research purposes.

CARE believes that each person is made uniquely in God’s image with genetic inheritance from both our parents. Human life begins at conception and should be valued and treated with respect.

CARE has been involved in moves to ban human cloning at the UN and in educating the Church to have a clear Biblical framework for these medical and scientific advances.

CARE has been involved in moves to ban human cloning at the UN and in educating the Church to have a clear Biblical framework for these medical and scientific advances.

Resources

Briefing papers

Cloning Issues and Implications (pdf)

Human Cloning Questions Answered (pdf)

Of Genes and Screens and Clones and Things (pdf)

Stem Cell Research (pdf)

Books

How to be a Christian in a Brave New World

Joni Eareckson Tada and Nigel Cameron, 2006, Zondervan

Stem cell research, cloning, genetic engineering. Today, discoveries in biotechnology are occurring so rapidly that we can barely address one ethical debate before another looms overhead. How should we respond as Christians?

Our Posthuman Future

Francis Fukyama, 2005

Fukyama argues that as a result of biomedical advances we are facing the possiblity of a future in which our humanity itself will be altered beyond recognition. A readable, informative and challenging book by a highly respected social philosopher.

Enough: Genetic Engineering and the End of Human Nature

Bill McKibben, 2003

In this well-researched book McKibben asks how to control the technoscience juggernaut before it dehumanizes our species. Will we ever decide that we’ve grown powerful enough? Can we draw a line and say ‘enough’?

Films to watch and discuss

Boys From Brazil (1978)

A group of former Nazi’s in South America plan to clone Hitler.

The 6th Day (2000)

The mission of the cloners in this film is a desire to achieve immortality and to take over the world.  Trying to play God does not end well.

The Island (2005)

Two clones escape from a genetic research factory when they realize they are to be killed so their body parts can be used by others.