The Product of Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer is a Cloned Embryo

Some argue that the product arising from the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is not an embryo. However, the product that arises from SCNT is indeed an embryo that is a member of the species in which the cells were taken from. Dolly the sheep embryo arose from SCNT. Once implanted and with a lot of luck, Dolly the baby sheep was born. Now are we to believe that Dolly wasn't a real sheep because she did not arise through fertilization? Then what was she? Was Dolly some type of machine or artifact that just looked like a sheep? It is conceivable that the same technology (SCNT) that gave rise to Dolly could be used to give rise to a human baby. There may be technical problems with this with primates and with humans, but as we all know, scientists are very creative at solving technical problems. Dolly proves that what we are is more than how we got here.

It would be nice to define away the moral standing of an entity that arises from a process other than fertilization of sperm and egg. But that would be taking an easy way out of this controversy that is too convenient as well as unfounded.In public discussions on this topic, I don't point out a theological point because it probably isn't very persuasive to non-Christians. But I think Christians should consider it because it concerns a fundamental truth of Christian theology. If a human being isn't a human being unless she originates from fertilization, then how do you explain the humanity of Adam and Eve? They were certainly not the product of sperm and egg in the sense that we talk about. What about Jesus? The Church believes in the two natures of Christ that are in hypostatic union. Jesus is truly man and truly God at the same time without any mixture of the two natures. Jesus was truly human yet sperm was not involved in His incarnation. This tells me that it doesn't matter if the embryo arises from fertilization, from SCNT, divine creative act (Adam and Eve), or a divine miracle (Jesus). They are all human beings. And as human beings, they are made in the image of God. I seriously disagree that being used as research fodder is a proper way to treat images of God.

Scientifically speaking and ethically speaking (no theology involved), one should look at the following website that discusses what the product of SCNT is. The President's Council on Bioethics concluded as a whole (not just the ones who agree with President Bush's policies, but all of them) that this report is fair and accurate. For those with questions, please read the section titled "Cloned Human Embryo: The Product of SCNT."