January 31, 2002

Embryo Cloning, From Left and Right

Some for Abortion Rights Lean Right in Cloning Fight (January 24,
2002)

To the Editor:

Re "Some for Abortion Rights Lean Right in Cloning Fight" (news
article, Jan. 24):

Although we can understand fascination with the "strange bedfellows"
phenomenon, there is a difference between the cloning positions of the
Boston Women's Health Book Collective and of the Roman Catholic
Church. Unlike the church, which is opposed to all embryonic stem cell
research, we support almost all embryonic stem cell research because
of its therapeutic potential. Our objections pertain only to research
on stem cells derived from embryo cloning.

This is a significant difference, though we do share similar concerns
with the church about the development of germline genetic
modifications and the potential resurgence of a eugenics movement.

Embryo cloning involves the development of powerful new technologies
with profound implications for humanity. Both those "leaning left" and
those "leaning right" can appreciate the need for a fuller discussion
that would draw upon many disciplines.

JUDY NORSIGIAN
Boston, Jan. 28, 2002
The writer is executive director and co-founder, Boston Women's Health
Book Collective.

Copyright 2002 The New York Times Company