In the series, Raël: Alien Prophet, the third episode, The American Dream shows how Raël advocates for human cloning in America alongside biochemist Brigitte Boisselier. The purported birth of “Eve” in 2002 sparked intense legal and media scrutiny. Raël’s lobbying efforts for human cloning, combined with the controversial claim of Eve’s birth, became focal points, leading to heightened attention from both legal authorities and the media. The episode delves into the complexities and consequences of these events, examining the intersection of scientific ambition, ethical considerations, and societal reactions within the American context.
Spoilers Ahead
How Was The Cloning Process First Put Into Action?
The cloning process was initiated when Raël, the leader of the Raëlian movement, lobbied for human cloning in America. Biochemist Brigitte Boisselier, a dedicated Raëlian, took on the mission of human cloning after experiencing personal loss and recognizing the legal constraints in France, where expressing support for cloning could lead to imprisonment. Damien, another Raëlian deeply involved in the cause, shared that Raël entrusted Brigitte with the task of human cloning. Brigitte reached out to Damien, who was studying biotechnology in the US, seeking assistance. Motivated by the cause, Damien committed to the project, and together, they began their work in a laboratory, actively engaging with the media to promote their cloning company, “Clonaid.” The cloning endeavor gained momentum when Mark Hunt, a person who had lost a child, approached Dr. Boisselier with a request to clone his deceased son. Mark’s desire to bring his child back to life resonated with the Raëlian belief in the potential of cloning. The situation was likened to historical instances where scientists challenging established beliefs faced condemnation, drawing a parallel to those who asserted that the Earth was round and were criticized by the Vatican. A crucial element for successful cloning was the availability of eggs and surrogate mothers. Marina, Dr. Boisselier’s oldest daughter, volunteered as a surrogate, emphasizing her gratitude and support toward the cause. This marked the beginning of the cloning process, where scientific efforts and ethical considerations converged in an attempt to realize the ambitious goal of bringing deceased loved ones back to life.
How Did The American Government Tarnish Their Plan Of Cloning?
The Raëlian movement’s ambitious plan of cloning faced a significant setback on Capitol Hill, as they presented their case to a skeptical House subcommittee. Despite Brigitte Boisselier’s impressive credentials as a Ph.D. holder and a seasoned genetics educator, the movement encountered resistance as the U.S. Congress sought hearings on the pros and cons of human cloning. Brigitte Boisselier and Raël were invited to address Congress, where they were asked to make their case regarding the importance of human cloning. Raël framed cloning as part of the aliens’ plan for humanity, promoting the idea that scientific advancements, exemplified by cloning, save lives, contrasting with the assertion that religion and superstition pose threats.
Raël’s appeal to Brigitte Boisselier for creating life through cloning was rooted in the belief that the United States, as a beacon of freedom, should serve as a model for the world. He highlighted the experimental nature of scientific progress, drawing parallels with the initial challenges faced by IVF and its subsequent success. However, the Raëlian movement’s cloning efforts alarmed the U.S. government, prompting intervention. The American government, known for its ways of dissuading actions it deems problematic, swiftly acted to halt human cloning activities. Overnight, the laboratory involved in the cloning project was shut down by the FDA, with the FBI flagging the individuals associated with the project. The closure of the laboratory and the intervention by federal agencies marked a significant obstacle. The American government, citing profound moral and ethical concerns, effectively tarnished the Raëlian movement’s plan for human cloning.
What Was The Aftermath Of Eve’s Birth?
The birth of “Eve,” the first cloned human baby in the Raëlian movement was met with intense media scrutiny and contrasting public reactions. In response to a parent’s request for a cloned baby girl, the Raëlians set up a lab to carry out the cloning procedure. As the pregnancy progressed, media attention intensified, with the anticipation of Eve’s birth reaching a global scale. To protect the family’s anonymity, they never disclosed their whereabouts. The media coverage generated a wide spectrum of responses, with some expressing belief and awe in the scientific advancement, while others dismissed it as an outright hoax. CNN, among other news outlets, covered the event live, reporting on the Raëlians’ concerns about potential legal actions against Eve’s mother. Attorney Siegel filed a lawsuit seeking the appointment of a legal guardian for Eve in juvenile court, claiming it to be the first case to protect a human clone. During the court proceedings, Brigitte Boisselier, who led the cloning efforts, asserted that the baby was born in Israel, not the U.S. She emphasized that she received occasional reports about the child’s well-being but maintained no direct contact with the parents or doctors to ensure their protection. The court’s jurisdiction was questioned, as the baby was not in Florida, and, consequently, the legal petition was dismissed.
Was The Birth Of Eve Authentic?
The authenticity of the birth of “Eve” became a subject of widespread skepticism, with many questioning whether it was the biggest hoax perpetrated on the world media in recent memory. Concerns were raised as there were no pictures or identity provided for the baby, and no promised DNA test of Baby Eve was made available. Brigitte Boisselier acknowledged the skepticism, stating that those who believed it to be a hoax were allowed to hold that view. However, she defended the authenticity of the event, asserting that she exposed herself to the media by being involved in such a groundbreaking claim. Raël, the leader of the Raëlian movement, appeared confident in the successful media coverage, claiming six hundred million dollars in news coverage about the cloning. In a shocking revelation, Damien, a former Raëlian, exposed that the clone announcement was actually a hoax, as he was engaged in the whole process of cloning with Dr. Brigette. Despite Raël’s confidence and Brigitte’s defense of the event, Damien, who had been on the inside of this whole ordeal, asserted that there was no cloned baby and that the entire narrative was untrue.
