[Sir Francis Dashwood]

Science will inevitably lead itself from microscopic humans in test tubes to recognizable humans in vats.

False. Molecular circuits can be built. As I have seen in electronics, the geometry is getting so small, we are soon going to build things on a molecular level. DNA can be constructed mechanically. Why clone something that is going to age at an accelerated rate and die, when you can build the DNA from scratch? Robo-sapiens?

Of course, what you seem to be unwilling to admit is that a societal practice of abortion has blown the doors down to openly practice eugenics.

[palmer]

Why clone something that is going to age at an accelerated rate and die, when you can build the DNA from scratch? Robo-sapiens?

I hope you are right and scientists do not choose to grow humans in vats. But I think they are already headed in that direction. Here's just one example: http://www.observer.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,648024,00.html

   Sunday February 10, 2002
   The Observer

   Doctors are developing artificial wombs in which embryos can grow outside a woman's
   body. The work has been hailed as a breakthrough in treating the childless.
   ...

Of course, what you seem to be unwilling to admit is that a societal practice of abortion has blown the doors down to openly practice eugenics.

I admit that. I think the debate over when life ends is just as important as the debate over when it begins.