LONDON, UK, April 6, 2002: Scientists reacted with skepticism and shock to a report that a woman taking part in a controversial human cloning program for infertile couples was eight weeks pregnant. Italian fertility specialist Severino Antinori, who last year announced his intention to create the world’s first human clone, has been quoted as saying one woman in his program was pregnant — but he has since refused to confirm or deny this. “Our project is at a very advanced stage. One woman among the thousands of infertile couples in the program is eight weeks pregnant.” It was unclear if Antinori had clearly stated that the woman’s pregnancy was a result of cloning. There was no information as to where the woman was, or from whom the alleged foetus was cloned, if it was. Cloning and fertility experts expressed strong doubts over the report. Dr Ehab Kelada, clinical director at the London Fertility Centre, said Antinori must clarify the report immediately. “The scientific community will be very alarmed,” he said. “It is shocking. We don’t know how safe cloning is for humans and it is dangerous to embark on this path without proper regulations or guidelines.”
A daily summary of world news for Hindus and non-Hindus alike