TOKYO -- A controversial American biologist who plans to clone humans announced Tuesday that he is setting up a base in Japan, where laws do not prohibit such research.
Richard Seed, a Chicago-born Harvard graduate who has no medical license, has said cloning will make man immortal and closer to God. He revealed that he had located a site and partial funding for an animal cloning laboratory and a human fertility clinic.The facilities are seen as a stepping stone toward human cloning, which Seed, an expert in the field for more than 30 years, says is possible within two years.
Described by former colleagues as brilliant but slightly crazy, Seed caused an uproar earlier this year when he announced plans to clone himself.
In response to the ethical concerns raised during the debate in the United States, President Bill Clinton announced a five-year moratorium on human cloning. Mainstream scientists have apparently observed the ban.
The European Union has also issued a charter banning research in this field.
"It seems all countries or political groups have some reservations on human cloning. But there is an existing patient demand for the service," Seed said.
His group has already acquired three-quarters of the $20 million funding needed for the project and purchased land in Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido.
According to the group's Tokyo consultant, James Ryan, the facilities will open next August and provide services for couples seeking infertility treatment.
It is believed that, once the facilities are complete, Seed will begin work on trying to clone his third wife, Gloria.