Letter: Opponents fail to grasp benefits of cloning research

Friday, Dec. 14, 2001 | 3:50 a.m.

We all wish we could live longer. We wish we could do so free of pain and suffering. Recently, with their God-given talent and ability, scientists have come a step closer to granting these wishes.

They have learned how to clone a human embryo. Their goal is not to clone human beings, but to use these cells for experimentation to provide hope and help to those who need it so badly. They believe they can grow new tissue, even new organs, which could be used as replacement parts our bodies won't reject.

Some in Congress have already voiced their opposition and are gearing up to prevent scientists from doing this. What is it about better health and longer life they don't like? Some religious and political leaders believe it's immoral and dangerous for science to go down this road. But they thought this about in-vitro fertilization, which has brought great joy to now-parents.

Opponents and naysayers of these potential miracles need not apply for them. They can reject these "cures" if they choose to. Then they can explain to their parents and children why they should needlessly suffer from heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, juvenile diabetes and paralyzing spinal cord injuries. But they should not stand in the way of the rest of us being the recipients of this wondrous new technology.

I hope a majority of Americans will agree and insist that Congress allow the scientific community to move forward to improve the quality of our lives, and to extend them for as long as possible.

JOYCE SEGAL