Scientists at the Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. of Worcester, Mass., have successfully created the first human embryo through cloning, a move that will undoubtedly create a whole new round of ethical debates and questions.

The company claimed they were not trying to create a human being, rather attempting a breakthrough in therapeutic cloning, which is using the embryo for stem cells to treat diseases. Upon the announcement, however, critics immediately rang in with their opinions. The Bush administration reaffirmed their 100 percent opposition to any type of cloning of human embryos and called upon Congress to outlaw human cloning. And Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) called the developments “very, very troubling.”

While the issue of human cloning is obviously one with deep-rooted ethical dilemmas, the latest discovery should be heralded as a revolutionary breakthrough in medicine, not as potentially dangerous. Dr. Michael West, president and CEO of Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., said the move was a step toward what will be a new area of medicine – regenerative medicine.

Scientists stated that the cloned embryos are not individuals, but only cellular life, able to be used as mines for stem cells capable of treating degenerative diseases. The scientific community widely regards the cloning of stem cells as an endless source of research for tissue engineering and transplantation medicine.

Diseases like diabetes, cancer, AIDS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are all possible targets of treatments scientists believe could be established with further research into human embryonic stem cells. Imagine a time when medicine will be able to offer cell therapy to sick patients. When brain disorders and damaged spinal cords, otherwise untreatable, are rehabilitated with the help of nerve cells from human embryos.

The goals of scientists in this case are not to breed humans. Their intentions are not to create actual human clones, but to save lives. Some people see this development as the world getting closer to living out their fears – that power-crazed individuals like Saddam Hussein would use the technology to build massive army farms, where races of superhuman fighters would be bred. This is simply not the case.

The research being done by Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. and similar companies, at this time, is for the benefit of people who need medical help.

Sure, there’s the possibility that technology will become so advanced as to create an environment where those fears of little Saddam Husseins scouring the earth. But that doesn’t mean it will happen.These recent scientific breakthroughs are just that – breakthroughs. The world may be a better place because of these discoveries. People with debilitating diseases may be able to live normal lives.

editorialboard: Andrea Hauser, Tim Paluch, Michelle Kann, Zach Calef, Omar Tesdell