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Do religions allow cloning
Moral concern about cloning
Debate over human cloning
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Introduction
Cloning is the process of manipulating DNA and embryonic stem cells to create an identical living organism. The purpose of cloning is to find medical treatments and to reduce human suffering (Rosalyn). Is it wrong? Is it disrespectful toward nature itself? According to Sir John Gordon, cloning is not as playing God it is simply copying “what nature has already produced” (Gordon). This new development established a series of debates because if there are technologies that enable humans to artificially create mammal, sooner or later the same process will be performed on human. This points to the question, should human cloning be banned? (Cloning: An Overview). Even though there are numerous critics who believe human cloning violates human dignity, there should be an acceptance because it can be a solution to those who are affected with various diseases, it is essential for understanding our ancestors or other prehistoric species, and it benefits parents who lost their beloved children, or those who cannot have children.
Argumentative Point 1
Tension of whether or not to ban cloning has occurred in a long period of time. Since 1998, Controversy about whether to ban the procedure of applying human embryonic stem cells, a method classified as therapeutic cloning has spread around the world. On the other hand, cloning through reproductive cell has been considered illegal in many nations. Practices of catholic stated, that human cloning is disrespect toward God himself. This causes many political leaders to make tenacious decision (Bellomo). In July 5th, 1996; the date in which a sheep named dolly was successfully cloned from an adult sheep gene. Dolly was cloned using somatic stem cells (body cells, or any cells other then...
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Works Cited
Bethge, Philip,and Johann Grolle. "Q&A: Can Neanderthals Be Brought Back from the Dead?" Toronto Star (2013): P. WD.3. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 6 Sep. 2013.
Healy, Melissa. "Stem Cells Are Made by Cloning Method." Los Angeles Times: P. A.1. May 16 2013. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 6 Sep. 2013 .
Human Cloning Could Happen within 50 Years, Says Nobel Prize.." Asian News International: N.p. Dec 19 2012. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 6 Sep. 2013 .
Rau, Alia B. "Bill Eyes Ban on Cloning, 'Hybrids'." Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ): B.1. Mar 13 2010. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 6 Sep. 2013 .
Stein, Rob. "Scientists Use Cloning to Make Genetically Tailored Stem Cells." Washington Post: A.1. Oct 06 2011. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 6 Sep. 2013 .
Children grow up watching movies such as Star Wars as well as Gattaca that contain the idea of cloning which usually depicts that society is on the brink of war or something awful is in the midsts but, with todays technology the sci-fi nature of cloning is actually possible. The science of cloning obligates the scientific community to boil the subject down into the basic category of morality pertaining towards cloning both humans as well as animals. While therapeutic cloning does have its moral disagreements towards the use of using the stem cells of humans to medically benefit those with “incomplete” sets of DNA, the benefits of therapeutic cloning outweigh the disagreements indubitably due to the fact that it extends the quality of life for humans.
If a random individual were asked twenty years ago if he/she believed that science could clone an animal, most would have given a weird look and responded, “Are you kidding me?” However, that once crazy idea has now become a reality, and with this reality, has come debate after debate about the ethics and morality of cloning. Yet technology has not stopped with just the cloning of animals, but now many scientists are contemplating and are trying to find successful ways to clone human individuals. This idea of human cloning has fueled debate not just in the United States, but also with countries all over the world. I believe that it is not morally and ethically right to clone humans. Even though technology is constantly advancing, it is not reasonable to believe that human cloning is morally and ethically correct, due to the killing of human embryos, the unsafe process of cloning, and the resulting consequences of having deformed clones.
“Cloning represents a very clear, powerful, and immediate example in which we are in danger of turning procreation into manufacture.” (Kass) The concept of cloning continues to evoke debate, raising extensive ethical and moral controversy. As humans delve into the fields of science and technology, cloning, although once considered infeasible, could now become a reality. Although many see this advancement as the perfect solution to our modern dilemmas, from offering a potential cure for cancer, AIDS, and other irremediable diseases, its effects are easily forgotten. Cloning, especially when concerning humans, is not the direction we must pursue in enhancing our lives. It is impossible for us to predict its effects, it exhausts monetary funds, and it harshly abases humanity.
A more recent discovery, made in 2014, stem cells are being created from cells of young mice, this involves taking mature cells from mice and turning them into embryonic like stem cells, this new technique has not yet been tested in humans.
It is essential that human cloning is outlawed. It is salacious to perform, research, and promote these experiments on human subjects; it is neglectful, and shrewd to make the presence of this objective technology legal, let alone obtainable. Not only is human cloning hazardous and illogical, but morally incorrect and greatly dishonorable. The most alarming thought referring to human cloning is that it has the power to alter the foundation, that we as a nation, are assembled upon. What occurs after we take things too far and lose control? What happens when we are no more satisfied in simply seeking education of the physical universe? We will cross the line between natural and synthetic. What will differentiate God from man? Do we have the authorization to change the evolution of life? Science has proven that we can reproduce humans both naturally and unnaturally, but that does not mean that mean we should stop questioning whether or not we should scientifically reproduce humans.
In conclusion, it is clear to see that cloning is not the taboo it has been made out to be. It is a new boundary that humanity has never encountered before and so it is understandable that people have qualms about ‘playing God’ by shaping a life. Although some might argue that it is immoral to clone human beings, the truth is that it is unethical not to. Given that such technology has the potential to save millions upon millions of lives, not tapping into that industry would have dire consequences on the future. In this case, the ends more certainly justify the means.
Shoukhrat Mitalipov, American biologist who heads the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy says human cloning has been used for the first time to "produce one embryonic stem cell line using just two human eggs, which would make this approach practical for widespread therapeutic use". In fact, when doctors added caffeine to the cell cultures, their outputs were transformed into something they see as extremely beneficial to everyone. Secular society argues that cloning is beneficial to those who need transplants, diabetes, heart attacks, and Parkinson 's disease. As people age, their organs are at high risk of failing, so they need replacement. If humans were cloned, their organs could then be used to replace those of sick people. In fact, it is currently the case that there are not enough organ donors around to fulfill this need, therefore cloning humans would overcome that issue as there would then be a ready supply. The first experiment of cloning ever done was on Dolly the Sheep in 1997. This was a much discussed story because Dolly the sheep was cloned and past away not so long after. Therefore, because of this people say it is unsafe. However secular society sees the positive sides more significant than they do the negative sides. Secular society also argues that human cloning is a technology that will help infertile couples get children. Many couples all around the world are not able to have children, usually due to health issues. Reproductive cloning can help lesbians to have children without the use of donor sperm. And it would allow gay men to have children without the use of donor eggs and a surrogate. However, a surrogate would have to carry the
Scientists will first have to gain the trust of humans in order to convince them that it is safe and humane, since 81% of American adults believe that the idea of cloning humans is immoral (“Americans oppose”). They will, also, need to find a way to make sure the clone lives a typical lifespan. In the near future, clones could replace the human race since clones will not experience the same health problems as
Human cloning research has once been the subject of terrifying science-fiction films and novels, science experiments gone wrong, accomplished only by the evil scientists twirling their moustaches. However, ideas presented on page and screen are rarely accurate. The possibility of cloning an exact copy of another human with one already fully developed is almost impossible, but through meticulous research, scientists have discovered the numerous benefits of cloning humans, either with individual cells or an embryo.
Scientists have no problem with the ethical issues cloning poses, as they claim the technological benefits of cloning clearly outweigh the possible social consequences, not to mention, help people with deadly diseases to find a cure. Jennifer Chan, a junior at the New York City Lab School, said, "?cloning body organs will help save many patients' lives," she said. "I think that cloning is an amazing medical breakthrough, and the process could stop at cloning organs--if we're accountable, it doesn't have to go any further." This argument seems to be an ethical presentation of the purpose of cloning. However, most, if not all scientists agree that human cloning won?t stop there. While cloning organs may seem ethical, cloning a human is dangerous. Still, scientists argue that the intentions of cloning are ethical. On the other hand, there are many who disagree with those claims. According to those from a religious standpoint, it is playing God, therefore, should be avoided. From a scientific standpoint it is also very dangerous, as scientists are playing with human cells which, if done wrong, can lead to genetic mutations that can either become fatal to the clone, or cause it severe disabilities. This information does, in fact, question the moral of the issue. If cloning is unsafe and harmful, what is the point?
Yet there are also some major benefits that have already arisen from cloning. Stem cells are somatic cells in a primitive state, where they can grow into many different types of cells. In an explanation for some of the benefits of cloning, the following example is given, “These cells [stem cells] could then be used for medical purposes, possibly even for growing whole organs” (Utah University).
Cloning is defined as the process of asexually producing a group of cells, all genetically identical, from a single ancestor (College Library, 2006).” Cloning should be banned all around the world for many reasons, including the risks to the thing that is being cloned, cloning reduces genetic differences and finally it is not ethical. Almost every clone has mysteriously died even before they are born.
In the article that I chose there are two opposing viewpoints on the issue of “Should Human Cloning Ever Be Permitted?” John A. Robertson is an attorney who argues that there are many potential benefits of cloning and that a ban on privately funded cloning research is unjustified and that this type of research should only be regulated. On the flip side of this issue Attorney and medical ethicist George J. Annas argues that cloning devalues people by depriving them of their uniqueness and that a ban should be implemented upon it. Both express valid points and I will critique the articles to better understand their points.
ProQuest Staff. "Human Cloning Timeline." Leading Issues Timelines. 2013: n.p. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 11 Feb. 2014. source 3
In recent years, many new breakthroughs in the areas of science and technology have been discovered. A lot of these discoveries have been beneficial to scientific community and to the people of the world. One of the newest breakthroughs is the ability to clone. Ever since Ian Wilmut and his co-workers completed the successful cloning of an adult sheep named Dolly, there has been an ongoing debate on whether it is right or wrong to continue the research of cloning (Burley). Recently, in February 2001, CNN conducted a poll that stated, 90% of American adults think that cloning humans is a bad idea (Robinson). Even though the majority of Americans are opposed to human cloning, there are many benefits that will come from the research of it. Advancements in the medical field and in the fertility process will arise from human cloning. These advancements make cloning very beneficial to the human society.