Orthodox Jewish leaders back cloning method

WASHINGTON — The nation’s two largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organizations issued a joint statement March 12 in support of “therapeutic cloning,” a controversial research technique that has garnered little support from religious communities.

The statement, which was issued by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America and the Rabbinical Council of America, argued that because the procedure could lead to a cure for devastating ailments such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, it should proceed with government funding and support.