Abstract

This paper reviews three levels of discourse on human reproductive cloning in Japan: everyday life, fundamental theory, and public policy. In addition to articles with headlines on HRC in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, 224 publications were found on HRC and categorized by publication year, author specialties, and contents. Contents of 100 publications were assigned to the following categories: cultural differences, acceptance of HRC, aversions to HRC, arguments against HRC , rebuttals and utilitarian arguments, arguments concerning regulation, and ethical principles, including the right to healthcare and children's rights and welfare. An opinion poll and public policy were also reviewed. Bioethics on HRC in Japan is primarily based on Western ethics and is communitarianistic, but some arguments are traditionally anti-anthropocentric and vitalistic. Public policy does not seem to reflect bioethical principles, but instead reflects practical needs