Implantation marks new life

Along with Sen. Orrin Hatch, I would say a new life begins when a fertilized egg becomes implanted in the mother's womb. In a normal, fertile couple, only about 20 percent to 25 percent of fertilized eggs become implanted. We do not consider the 75 percent to 80 percent that don't implant "murdered" because it's a natural process with no villain. But if the equivalent thing is done in a fertility clinic, we worry that it is very unethical.

Why? The frozen, unused embryos by law cannot be used if the parents want no more children; by law they must be wasted, as in the natural process.

We should support medical research using such embryos. Likewise, the stem cells from the placenta of a healthy birth are ordinarily waste, but could be used. As with all organ donations, there should be no financial reward, just written permission. And, of course, human cloning should remain strictly forbidden.

Steven C. Barrowes

Salt Lake City