12 March 2001

HUMAN CLONING MUST BE RULED OUT IN NEW ZEALAND

Any possibility of human cloning must be firmly ruled out in New Zealand, says Hon Peter Dunne, leader United Future New Zealand.

"Responding to the international news that cloning may be on the verge of happening overseas is disturbing not only on a moral and ethical level, but also on a purely practical level.

"Already eminent experts in the field of human reproductive technology are warning strongly against this frightening procedure, claiming that the abnormality rate among humans is likely to be high. One of Australia's leading in-vitro fertilisation experts has already questioned the ethics of allowing this type of experimental work.

"Not only is the whole concept hugely frightening and distressing if it goes ahead, there is a very real danger, it will damage forever the reputation of other types of more conventional reproductive medicine, which have helped people without resorting to Frankenstein tactics," says, Mr Dunne.

He says New Zealand needs to confront the issue decisively and quickly by making any such work here totally illegal.

"United Future will support bringing forward urgently the member's bill on this issue, which has been around for years, to be dealt with appropriately by our Parliament. For an issue as far-reaching as this we should fast track legislation in this area rather than ignoring it.

New Zealand has historically been to the forefront of some important social issues. The issue of cloning which has such huge connotations for the integrity and sanctity of the human race and is probably the greatest moral issue ever, should be no exception," concludes Mr Dunne.

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