Conception is normally understood to take place when the sperm fertilizes an egg. This process requires two distinct genetic donors. The lab embryos have only one such contributor. Technicalities, however, are unlikely to persuade critics. At issue here is the fundamental conception of what it means to be human.
Religion views temporal life as a transient state to be endured in hope of eternal salvation.
Humanism, on the other hand, seeks to ameliorate the pain of existence by perfecting the world we know. Regardless of the merits of the debate, the humanists will triumph because of the commercial application of their research. The cure for cancer will come with a hefty price tag. Lurking in the shadows of this bright dawn is the dark prospect of drone organisms bred solely to provide replacement organs. He felt that our fascination with technological conquest would supplant the ancient reverence that inspires religious fervor.