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Singapore Allows Human Cloning for Embryonic Stem Cell Research (9/04) |
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Human cloning has been prohibited for reproductive purposes in Singapore. However, the “clone and kill” process condemned by pro-life groups is allowed and the human embryo must be destroyed in 14 days, according to a law passed 2Sept.
Singapore, which has been attempting to attract stem cell researchers to the country, has some of the most lenient restrictions on biomedical research, and has recently spent over $1.8 billion for grants, tax breaks, and facilities for scientists. But such measures have also attracted researchers on the fringe of biotech, such as Alan Colman, who cloned "Dolly" the sheep; he moved to Singapore in 2002. Some parliament members expressed concern over allowing the cloning for “research” purposes, termed “therapeutic cloning”. Dr. Lily Neo warned the fellow MPs that therapeutic cloning "is a thin wedge to reproductive cloning" and that research should be closely monitored lest it be abused "by maverick scientists and researchers." Neo suggested that successful adult stem cells, such as those collected from cord blood, be used in lieu of embryos. [http://www.lifenews.com/bio452.html, 3Sept04]
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Stem Cells & Cloning 
