Cloning and stem cells: processes, politics, and policy

The creation of good science policy requires an understanding of the scientific technologic processes as well as an appreciation of the "politicization process" and contemporary politics. This article encompasses a review of nuclear transfer and stem cell technologies and advances against a backdrop of the politicization of science. The combination of these forces has rendered it almost impossible to develop true consensus on what any national policy regarding nuclear transfer should look like. Careful consideration of the multidimensional nature of these technologies and the myriad of social, economic, and cultural factors they will impact demands, however, that, at the very least, a national dialogue be instituted in an effort to frame good policy pertaining to nuclear transfer and stem cell research.