Protection of human dignity is one of the cardinal principles of bioethics and has been enshrined in a number of international instruments. Most notable in relation to the present discussion is the UNESCO Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights which state in article 11, that:” Practices which are contrary to human dignity, such as reproductive cloning of human beings, shall not be permitted. States and competent international organizations are invited to co-operate in identifying such practices and in taking, at national or international level, the measures necessary to ensure that the principles set out in this Declaration.
