Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The possibility of using human cloning to
reproduce has been met with unease, shock, and prohibition in many countries,
as well as the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive
Technology and the World Health Organization. Exploring the value judgments
that underpin these and other responses to reproductive human cloning (RHC)
was the objective of this study.
METHODS: In a qualitative design, this study explored values in their variety
underpinning responses to RHC by conducting individual semi-structured
in-depth interviews among nine scholars who were purposively sampled for
contributing various perspectives. Thematic analysis was used to uncover
qualitative contents systematically.
RESULTS: Regulation of RHC, the first theme, was valued highly but this should
become more sophisticated than plain prohibition and draw on accountable
societal engagement that is well-informed by current knowledge and further
research, rather than be misled by for example the mistaken assumption that
cloned offspring would be exact replicas. The second theme was about potential
consequences of RHC for which engagement and regulations should account.
It concerns the valuing of the personhood and dignity of offspring from RHC,
and averting exploitation and potential unwanted societal consequences. In
the third theme, participants valued the individual’s freedom to choose and
reproduce.
CONCLUSION: Recognizing the needs among people who cannot reproduce
in other ways, the agenda for the societal engagement on RHC suggested by
this study is extensive and challenging. It includes that potential consequences
should be pre-empted, exploitation of RHC be averted, criteria of acceptability
and non-acceptability of using RHC be developed, and the limits to the use of
RHC be articulated in accordance with technological constraints and the values,
resources and preparedness of societies.
