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 .
Kass, Leon, and James Q. Wilson, eds. The ethics of human cloning. American Enterprise Institute, 1998.
McGee, Glenn, (2001). Primer on Ethics and Human Cloning. ActionBioscience.org. Retrieved October 3, 2004, from: http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/mcgee.html
MacDonald, Chris. “Yes, Human Cloning Should be Permitted.” Apocalypse:Bright Future/Dark Future. Ed. Patrick F. Bolen. New York: Pearson, 2011. 325-328. Print.
“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.
“Why Human Cloning Must Be Banned Now.” Cbhd. Trinity International University, 4 June 2002. Web. 31 March 2014.
In the past, cloning always seemed like a faraway scientific fantasy that could never really happen, but sometimes reality catches up to human ingenuity and people discover that a fictional science is all too real. Such was the fate of cloning when Dolly, a cloned sheep, came into existence during 1997, as Beth Baker explains (Baker 45). In addition to opening the eyes of millions of people, the breakthrough raised many questions about the morality of cloning humans. The greatest moral question is, when considering the pros against the cons, if human cloning is an ethical practice. There are two different types of cloning and both entail completely different processes and both are completely justifiable at the end of the day.
Brannigan, C. Michael. Ethical Issues in Human Cloning. New York: Seven Bridges Press, Chatham House Publishers, 2001.
Smith, Shannon H. “Ignorance is Not Bliss: Why a Ban on Human Cloning is Unacceptable” Health Matrix: Journal of Law-Medicine. Summer 1999. Vol. 9 issue 2. p311. web. 4 Apr. 2011
Stephens, Patrick. ?Human Cloning is Good for All of Us,? The Objectivist Center. April 3, 2001.
Cloning, a topic that has recently caused mayhem all over the world, is possible, but will it be here to stay? The astonishing news that scientists had cloned a sheep a couple of years ago sent people into panic at the thought that humans might be next. "Cloning is a radical challenge to the most fundamental laws of biology, so it's not unreasonable to be concerned that it might threaten human society and dignity" (Macklin 64). Since most of the opposition is coming from the pure disgust of actually being able to clone species, it makes it difficult for people to get away from the emotional side of the issue and analyze the major implications cloning would have for society. To better understand this controversial issue, the pros and cons of cloning will be discussed.
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.
In recent years our world has undergone many changes and advancements, cloning is a primary example of this new modernism. On July 5th, 1995, Dolly, the first cloned animal, was created. She was cloned from a six-year-old sheep, making her cells genetically six years old at her creation. However, scientists were amazed to see Dolly live for another six years, until she died early 2005 from a common lung disease found in sheep. This discovery sparked a curiosity for cloning all over the world, however, mankind must answer a question, should cloning be allowed? To answer this question some issues need to be explored. Is cloning morally correct, is it a reliable way to produce life, and should human experimentation be allowed?
"Human Cloning and Human Dignity: An Ethical Inquiry." The President's Council on Bioethics Washington, D.C. N.p., July-Aug. 2002. Web.
Seidel, Jr., George E. "Cloning." World Book Student. World Book, 2014. Web. 13 Feb. 2014. source 19
Robinson, Bruce. “Human Cloning: Comments by political groups, religious authorities, and individuals.” 3 August 2001. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. 1 October 2001 <http://www.religioustolerance.org/clo_reac.htm>.