The Ethics of Human Cloning

The Ethics of Human Cloning

In order to make a fully justified decision on whether human cloning is ethical or not,

one must be exposed to the background of the subject. To start, a clone is an exact replica of

an organism, cell, or gene. The process itself is done asexually with the use of a cell from the

original human. It is then placed inside a female capable of bearing a child and is then born

as a clone. Along with this comes questions of whether or not it is right to clone a human

being based on different facts and opinions of small groups or communities(Dudley 11).

The technology of cloning is not quite developed enough for a doctor to be certain that

an experiment will be successful. In Scotland, the first sheep was cloned and was named

Dolly. It took over 250 tries before they were successful in creating the clone. When news of

this reached America, immediately polls showed that ninety percent of Americans were

against the idea of cloning humans. Those who support cloning research replied by saying the

public based their opinions on fallacies of the news media and, therefore, could not

comprehend the whole picture(Farnsworth).

Those in favor of cloning might say it can push forward medical research. For

example, with cloning technology it may be possible to learn how to replace old cells with

new ones. This could lead to a longer life for each individual. Also, with enough research

scientists could create clones to act as donors. Some scientists say that human cloning may

eventually reverse heart attacks. This accomplishment would take place by injecting healthy

heart cells into damaged heart tissue.

In addition, cloning...

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... as easily as the latter. Universally, therefore, cloning should be banned in order to

preserve the natural functions which we were made to perform as human beings.

A general rule for cloning humans is "do not clone unless there are no negative

consequences as a result of performing the act."

Bibliography:

Bibliography

Bruce, Donald "Should We Clone Humans?" 17 Dec. 98. 28 Feb. 01. .

Dudley, William, Ed. The Ethics of Human Cloning. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc. copyright 2001.

Farnsworth, Joseph. "To Clone or Not to Clone: The Ethical Question." 7 Apr. 2000. 28 Feb. 01.

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"Cloning: Right or Wrong?" Tripod. 11 May 98. 20 Mar. 01. .

"The Ethics of Cloning." Panania-Milperra Anglican Church. 23 May 99. 10 Mar. 01.

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"The Ethics of Cloning of Humans from Somatic Cells." 13 Mar. 98. 5 Mar. 01 .