Cloning

Paper Summary:

The writer contends that while there is virtually universal agreement that human cloning is neither safe nor ethically desirable, the research work being done in other cloning techniques continues to greatly interest scientists and the public alike. This paper examines the three main types cloning processes, while also discussing the ethical issues that arise from these techniques. The three cloning techniques are comprised of DNA cloning, reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning. The DNA cloning process involves the transferring of a DNA fragment from one organism to a self-replicating genetic element or a cloning vector such as a bacterial plasmid. This paper details the technology involved in reproductive cloning, which entails creating organisms with an identical genetic make-up to an already existing organism. This paper explores the benefits of cloning, including finding cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's, cancer and diabetes. This paper discusses the concerns which have been raised over the destruction of unwanted embryos and the potential risk of abuse in this specific area of science. The writer examines the fact that many countries currently permit stem cell research, which can be conducted only on in-vitro embryos or embryos that were discarded during infertility treatments.

From the Paper:

"In therapeutic cloning, concerns have been raised over the destruction of unwanted embryos, and the future abuse of such technology. The fear of abuse is, in fact, all too real since therapeutic cloning is just one step away from reproductive cloning. But the fear of eugenics or playing God is not the only ethical issue involved. For, opponents of the technology also argue that an embryo has life and the moral status of a person from the moment of conception. Therefore, it is immoral to kill the nascent life that is the embryo. Advocates of therapeutic cloning refute this argument by pointing out that the technology holds the promise of curing millions of adults of hitherto incurable diseases, and, therefore, the life of an already living being should be valued far more than one that has yet to fully form."

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