Cloning of Human Beings

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that cloning offers the prospect of scientists being able to create a new individual genetically identical to another person. The writer points out that the science to do this has almost been perfected. The writer notes that some people believe that cloning technology should be vigorously developed, as it offers an enormous potential to cure diseases and so reduce human suffering. However, this essay argues that this potential benefit is outweighed by the massive potential ethical problems. Therefore, it is argued that cloning of human beings should be outlawed worldwide.

From the Paper:

"One compelling reason to ban cloning is with regard to the human rights of potential cloned beings. Things that are manufactured are usually, by definition, property, and so do not have human rights. Thus, if a company were to clone human beings, it could possibly have the power to use these people as "spare parts" for rich clients. This potential ethical minefield was explored in the recent film, The Island. In this film, rich people have clones made from their DNA, and "store" them in an underground facility. The clones have no idea they are clones - they think they are the survivors of a nuclear holocaust, kept confined for their own safety. When their "owners" become sick or are injured, the clones are simply killed to provide spare parts. The clones are even used for breeding purposes. In this way, a female customer of the clone company can "give birth" to her own genetic offspring without the inconvenience of being pregnant."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bay, Michael. (Director). The Island. Dream Works Pictures, 2005.
• Holm, Soren. "A Life in the Shadow: One Reason Why we Should not Clone Humans." In Ruse, Michael and Sheppard, Aryne. Cloning: Responsible Science or Technomadness? New York: Prometheus Books, 2001.
• Kass, Leon A. "The Wisdom of Repugnance." In Ruse, Michael and Sheppard, Aryne. Cloning: Responsible Science or Technomadness? New York: Prometheus Books, 2001.
• National Bioethics Advisory Commission. "Cloning Human Beings." 1997. Retrieved from URL: http://www.georgetown.edu/research/nrcbl/nbac/pubs/cloning1/cloning.pdf

More papers on Cloning of Human Beings:

• Argumentative Essay # 2064 : "Ethical Issues Concerning Cloning of Human beings"
• Analytical Essay # 90368 : "Clones: Human Beings or Spare Parts?"
• Term Paper # 61624 : "Cloning and Human Body Parts"

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