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Korean cloning star Hwang Woo-suk on Wednesday met with Seoul Archbishop Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk for a frank exchange of views on the ethics of Hwang¡¯s stem cell research.
The two men, who are seen as opposite poles in the debate over the cloning of human embryos for stem cell research, met at Seoul¡¯s Myeongdong Cathedral on Wednesday and talked for 40 minutes about ethical issues involving stem cells derived from somatic cell cloning technology and the use of women¡¯s egg cells. Hwang was accompanied by his co-researcher Prof. Ahn Kyu-ri of SNU Medical College.
¡°I will humbly listen to and learn from what you say.¡± Hwang promised the cleric on arrival at the cathedral. ¡°I came to learn from my elders.¡± The archbishop in turn declared himself ¡°thankful that a man who has given the people great hope and done great service has spared his precious time... We will hold beneficial discussions on treating incurable diseases.¡±
According to Ahn and the Seoul Diocese public information office, Cheong explained that he did not oppose all of Hwang¡¯s research but could not countenance cloning lives such as human fetuses to harvest stem cells. Cheong in a press release distributed to major Catholic newspapers on June 11 said stem cell research ¡°is an act premised on destroying human life.¡±
Hwang responded the research team¡¯s stem cells used eggs that were not fertilizers, and because there was no chance they could become implanted in the uterine wall, there was no scientific evidence that they could develop into life.
Cheong urged Hwang to be conscientious and face his social responsibility since ¡°there are many cases where it is difficult to apply existing ethics to cutting-edge scientific research.¡± Hwang assured the archbishop of his respect for his comprehensive scientific knowledge and warm understanding. ¡°In the future, I¡¯d like to meet with you for advice depending on the progress of our research,¡± he said.
After the meeting, Hwang expressed palpable relief. ¡°I came to get scolded, but instead received blessings and teachings,¡± he said. ¡°Since my understanding may be a little poor in dealing with precious life, I will follow the teachings and guidance of the archbishop."
The two also issued a joint statement saying they were ¡°in total agreement that no matter what the case, scientists must respect human life, and agreed that the talk was a valuable opportunity to promote and establish a direction for mutual understanding between the scientific and religious worlds.¡±
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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