In a message dated 1/2/2003 10:17:13 PM Central Standard Time, rhinoceros@freemail.gr writes:

Hmm...

http://www.msnbc.com/news/852027.asp?0bl=-0

Alleged clone may never be tested

MSNBC NEWS SERVICES

Jan. 2 —   The head of a company that last week announced it had created the first human clone said Thursday that DNA tests have not yet been conducted on the baby — and may never be. The statement by Clonaid CEO Brigitte Boisselier added to scientists’ skepticism and fueled suspicions that the company’s claim was a hoax.

<snip>

[Jake] I found this excerpt from an AOL news source that I think might put this in some perspective:

"Experts have said they need DNA proof to believe claims by Boisselier, who is a bishop in the Raelian sect. Last week she said test results should be ready in eight or nine days proving the baby is a clone of the 31-year-old American woman who is also the mother.

"But now she says the parents are reconsidering the DNA testing because of legal action taken in Florida that could result in the child being taken away from them."

[Jake]  That seems like a plausible concern, as much as it seems like an evasive tactic.  Assuming the claim of cloning is true, the parents' interests and the scientists' interests are not going to be the same.  Though I would have suspected that they should have foreseen this possibility more than they (the Raelians) have and should have chosen both a more appropriate patient and legal jurisdiction in which to conduct these experiments.  Better yet to not even make an announcement at all until you had verfied evidence in hand.

[JS] Though this may in fact turn out as a hoax, the timing of such a hoax gives it a lot of credibility.  Such a legitimate announcement is indeed very reasonably expectable just about any day now.

Love,

-Jake