FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
“Ethics of Human Cloning” National Conference to be held in San Francisco
Contact: Adil E. Shamoo, PhD
Phone: 410.706.3327 Fax: 410.706.3189
Email: ashamoo@umaryland.edu
On May 24-26, 2004 in San Francisco, CA, leading proponents and opponents of cloning for reproductive or therapeutic purpose will come together to discuss their views and challenge those of their opponents. The Conference, “Ethics of Human Cloning” is sponsored by Friends Research Institute (FRI), a leading national research organization headquartered in Baltimore, MD.
Cloning has created new opportunities and dangers. Many scientists and physicians argue that cloning for research purposes (therapeutic cloning) has tremendous medical potential. Still others oppose therapeutic cloning because it involves the destruction of human embryos or, in their view, could lead to cloning for the purpose of producing children (reproductive cloning).
Although there are those who regard reproductive cloning as a legitimate means of helping some potentially infertile couples conceive children, most regard the procedure as unethical. Reproductive cloning raises a variety of ethical concerns including: the safety of the procedure, dignity and freedom of the cloned child, the specter of eugenics, and the consequences of cloning for families and society.
These issues and more will be discussed from all sides by leading scholars and scientists at FRI’s conference, as they bring their views and attempt to shad more light on this timely, important, controversial issue. The Conference location is the new Argonaut Hotel on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.
The mission of Friends Research Institute is to promote health and well being through research, grants administration, education and treatment. The organization’s goal is to be an “internationally renowned research institute, publicly recognized for its credibility and integrity, which promotes the advancement of scientific knowledge. Fri is guided by principles that include maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards and promoting respectful dialogue and the expression of diverse points of view.
For information call the FRI Conference Division at 410.763.7620. The www.friendsresearch.org website has information available, and will provide the Conference Agenda and faculty, as well as registration and information.