Clonings cyclone: therapeutic cloning and the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications

Abstract

This dissertation addresses the multidimensional controversial question of whether the method of therapeutic cloning is abusive as to the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications. While therapeutic cloning promises the cure for incurable diseases and many patients around the world have placed their hopes on that method, several social groups are opposed to this technique because of the use of embryos, claiming that the embryos’ human dignity and also its right to life is at stake. However, the provisions envisaged in international human rights instruments regarding the notion of dignity, as well as the position of the embryo as to its use in biomedical research remain vague. The conceptualisation of scientific freedom in terms of scientific research as well as its limitations within the frame of the right to enjoy the benefits of science is rendered a necessity in order to define whether therapeutic cloning is an abusive medical method with regard to the right to enjoy the benefits of science. Meanwhile, patients’ right to health as well as their right to enjoy the applications of therapeutic cloning in the future, is based on the continuation of scientific research on this specific biomedical field.