The cloning debate: Community views

The cloning of human embryos for medical research or therapeutic use is a controversial subject with passionate advocacy on all sides. Here we bring you a sampling of opinion from the CNN.com community about the religious, ethical and political implications of the recent announcement of a cloned human embryo.

From the message board

We all knew that this act of aggression against the unborn was inevitable, given the researchers lack of compassion for the unborn. -- Pierre Pineau

RESOURCES Message Board: Human embryo use  In-Depth: The stem cell debate

Stem cells can do things that should be considered miracles. I'm afraid that people against the stem cells will outweigh the ones who understand how we need them. Crippled children's lives can be altered beyond belief. -- M. Cynthia Powell

These people say that they don't intend to do human cloning, but we all know that human cloning is their ultimate goal. Take away the fact that it is wrong to try and do God's job for Him, there is no telling what 'can of worms' this would open up for future generations to have to deal with. -- Charlie M. Flynn

If God has a problem with it, he can easily contact the scientists on Advanced Cell Technology... God didnīt say anything when nukes were invented, or nuclear power plants, or anything. -- Akira Kusanagui

Regarding the embryo story in Worcester, we cannot do this because we are not worthy of it spiritually and morally. This will make going nuclear look like a picnic. -- Brian Peltier

As far as God is concerned, I think this is just another hurdle for religion to figure out how to jump. It seems that every time some major scientific advance takes place everyone worries that God somehow has had his turf infringed on. -- Bob Cat Miller

Cloning is just the latest example of the human arrogance pretending to be Divine Wisdom. When will we learn that we are not God? -- Keith Sexton

I feel that it is of the utmost arrogance for any of us to claim that we know 'The Will Of God' as regards this or any other subject. ... I believe that, as long as God doesn't hand out some more 'Thou shalt not...' tablets, he is more interested in seeing what we make of the world. -- Dan Blumenfeld

Today, more than ever, it is clear that an affirmation of the inviolability of personhood, from the moment of conception on, is inseparably bound up with the defense of humanity. -- David G. Murray

Stem cell might just offer a cure for my cousin, who at 46 had to retire as an airline Captain because of Parkinson's. His day is now down to a mere few hours of normal function before his medication wears off, rendering him helpless. I value his life much more than a few cells in petri dish. -- Kate Hudson

I have Lupus and auto immune hepatitis. My brother has Type I diabetes... I for one and my brother for two do not think this is the way to go. I know that if I were told that my life could be saved by any treatment involving this research I would not be interested. I would rather die tomorrow than be cured today. -- Gayle Schmeckenbecher

I remember when a heart transplant was considered barbaric. There is a lot more to life than a cluster of cells. As far as fetal tissue being next, I say go for it. Saving a daughter or son, a mother or father, a sister or brother, etc., from cancer (or whatever they have) should be a higher priority than a few cells! -- Sophia Skinner

I feel that scientists just need to leave this whole 'cloning' business alone. I mean, it's good that we've experimented with it and all, but lets stop before it becomes a disaster. -- Amy Sawyer

The creation of a human embryo to be used to help the sick is a big step in the right direction. The ethics part will take long discussions, and maybe create new laws to keep such a discovery in check. Yet the ethics of not using such a miracle is worse than using it. -- A. Nour

How can I take this debate seriously in a society that allows any pair of fools with reproductive organs to create ACTUAL human life at their leisure? ... Shouldn't a scientist in a Massachusetts laboratory have as much right to 'experiment' as a pair of drunk rednecks in an RV park? -- Kenny Thomas

This type of research is going to progress despite America's fear and ignorance. The only thing that the Religious Right will accomplish is to force the intellect that will achieve this overseas. -- Ronald Russell

Republicans will support this when corporations find a way to take advantage of it economically and begin making campaign contributions. Come to think of it, Democrats will support it then too. -- Tom McMahan