The South Korean scientist that led a research team to clone the first human embryo two years ago apologised on Thursday for ethical lapses which occurred during the course of the project and resigned from various administrative posts.
Saying he bore full responsibility, Dr. Hwang Woo-suk of Seoul National University confirmed swirling rumours at a packed press conference in Seoul on Thursday that the ova, or eggs used during his team’s research were obtained from junior scientists working in his lab.As a result, he resigned as the head of the World Stem Cell Hub and various other government and non-governmental agencies where he holds office. He said he would only focus on research from now on.
“I am very sorry that I have to tell the public words that are too shameful and horrible,” Hwang said during a press conference, according to the Associated Press. “I should be here reporting the successful results of our research, but I’m sorry instead to have to apologise.”
International ethical guidelines for embryonic stem cell research say that women should not be paid for donating eggs to prevent the possibility that they could be financially coerced. In addition other guidelines prevent superiors from obtaining eggs from subordinates to avoid moral coercion.
In South Korea, ethical guidelines banning such practices were made into law earlier this year. However, Hwang’s research team obtained the ova before the laws were enacted.
Hwang, who is a veterinarian, and animal reproduction expert, has become a leading scientist in human embryonic stem cell research, a controversial field of study. Some Christian medical and family organisations are opposed to the research because traditionally, embryonic stem cell research destroys human embryos to obtain stem cells.
Scientists engaged in such research say that the results of the work could one day lead to cures for currently incurable diseases such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, and for ailments such as damaged spinal cords.Thursday’s press conference did not touch upon the controversy over embryonic stem cell research, but focused instead on the way in which Hwang and his research team obtained eggs for their research.
Hwang explained that he had refused various attempts to receive the eggs from students, according to South Korean new agency Yonhap. Later, however, he says that a British science journal approached him to confirm its findings that two of his researchers had donated their eggs for research.
Hwang said he checked with the two female researchers and learned that they had made a donation of eggs without his permission but did not want the information to be disclosed.
He added that in order to protect the personal privacy of the donors, he then lied about the donations to the Journal but said he now regrets not having told the truth at the time.Regarding payments for the eggs, Hwang said that another researcher on his team who was in charge of obtaining eggs told him in late October that some of the eggs had been obtained through purchase. Hwang apologised for using those eggs, even through they had been used against his will.
Hwang, who has become a widely known and respected figure in South Korea, told the people of his country that he had not had deep thoughts regarding ethics and laws at the time. He says he now believes that ethics and science both have an important role to play for humanity’s future.
He thanked the people for their support, said he would work to keep international standards in the future.
Hwang has previously met with religious leaders to discuss the ethical considerations behind his work.
Francis Helguero
Christian Today Correspondent
