In August 2004 the government ion Britain approved the granting of liscences to research groups who wished to research and develop cloning of human embryos for theraputic purposes. The main focus of such research is the attianment of embryonic stem cells, and the development of therpaies from such cells. Soon some research began in other parts of the world. This collection of essays looks at some of the issues involved. Gareth Jones is a key figure in bioethics from the University of Otago, New Zeland, author of Bioethics: When the Challenges of Life Become too Much, Mary Byrne is an independent schoalr and researcher who previously worked in the administration of the Sisters of Cahrity Health Care System in Australia.