Human Cloning Foundation Still Supports Hwang

Although Korean scientist and world-renowned stem cell pioneer Hwang Woo Suk's reputation was blemished by recent allegations that he purchased human eggs for his research, the Human Cloning Foundation said the controversy should not detract from Dr. Hwang's contributions in the field.

"It would be tragic," said David Madrigal, a spokesman of the Human Cloning Foundation, "if this controversy eroded the significance of Dr. Hwang's achievements." Hwang created the world's first cloned human embryo and the first cloned dog, Snuppy, which Time magazine recently named as Invention of the Year for 2005.

The Human Cloning Foundation remains steadfast in its support for Hwang, who is reportedly bed-ridden due to "worsening health conditions" and stress. Madrigal said Korean President Roh Moo Hyun also continues to support Hwang and that just last week, the Korean government broke ground on the construction of a new bio-research center named after Hwang in Kyonggi Province.

A Korea Times report said Hwang "seemed to have lost his desire to continue cloning research and quoted Hwang as saying that he wanted to forget about the work." Madrigal said the Human Cloning Foundation is hopeful that Hwang will re-consider and decide to continue his role as one of the world's foremost experts in the field of stem cell research. "We hope he can make a comeback," said Madrigal.

Madrigal pointed out that Hwang's alleged purchase of human eggs reportedly took place between 2002 and 2003, which was years before the law forbidding such transactions in Korea was legalized in January 2005. Indeed, an interview with Hwang Woo Suk in Time magazine (December 12) reveals that Hwang did not commit any ethical violations. In fact, it was suggested that allegations of misconduct may be politically motivated in an attempt to derail South Korea's lead in stem cell technology.

Contact: Mr. David Madrigal
Spokesman, Human Cloning Foundation
HumanCloning.David@gmail.com
www.HumanCloning.Org