A reader wrote to me today, saying he took grave offense at my characterization of scientific experimentation with human embryos as a new wave of Dr. Joseph Mengele type crimes against humanity.  This reader said his objections were based on his professional standing as a biological scientist.  He seems not to be aware that the eugenics philosophy of Adolph Hitler was instigated by revered scientists and medical professionals of their day.  Being a scientist in no way whatsoever shields a person from evil.

Here is my answer to the complaint:

I’m so sorry that you feel offended by my likening of experimentation using human beings at embryo stage to new wave Megeles.  I stand by the assertion, however.
The only difference, in my opinion, in experimenting on older human beings and experimenting on embryos is the size of the victim and the fact that the embryo does not feel the pain.  Otherwise, using human beings without their consent for medical experimentation is unethical at best and a crime against humanity at worst.  As every single human being, from the moment of his conception, is but on a continuum of development, any experimentation on his person without his consent is an egregious violation of his unalienable right to legal protections against unwarranted murder.
Embryo experimentation, of course, represents nothing new in the realm of human evil perpetrated against other humans.  It merely follows a long line of various acts by various societies.  Regardless how these evil acts may vary in appearance from age to age, from society to society, their innate character remains the same.  Unfortunately, murder by any other name…you get the drift here, I’m certain.
Isn’t it a marvel the contortions people will make to absolve themselves from guilt so that they can remain ensconced in self-made bubbles of sanctimony?
This has always been the heart of human denial and will most likely remain so.  Times and circumstances change; human nature remains as prone to arrogance as it has since the Fall of Man.