Immorality of Human Cloning Essay - 1550 Words

While human cloning has been a matter of science fiction for centuries, the prospect that it could actually happen is a recent development. On February 23, 1997, the birth of the first cloned sheep, Dolly, was announced. Since then, it seems that science has progressed faster than moral understanding. Each breakthrough in genetics presents us with both a promise and a dilemma. The promise is that we may soon be able to treat and prevent diseases such as cancer and Parkinson’s. The dilemma is that we will have the power to manipulate our very nature-- to choose the sex and other genetic qualities of our next generation in attempts to make ourselves perfect. Despite the possible benefits, cloning will require unacceptable risks and does not†¦show more content†¦Another beneficial idea was introduced not long ago, cloning can prevent genetically transmitted disease. Supporters say that by manipulating human embryonic stem cells theres hope for a cure for more than 1 mill ion patients with diabetes. Margot Roosevelt, a stem cell researcher, says: â€Å"One day, scientists hope, the entire genetic makeup of a patient would be transferred into a cloned human egg that can produce the insulin-producing cells their body lacks† (Masci 2). Similar procedures might be used to treat cancer, heart disease, Parkinsons, and Alzheimers. However, this speculation is not as safe and easy as it may seem. The reason, explains L.Lester, is that â€Å"clonal people would still be susceptible to mutations or mistakes in the replication of cells. They would also be affected by environmental influences that may bring out previously unknown genetic disease† (Leone 35). The repercussions, then, far outweigh the possible benefits of treating diseases. In addition, due to constant exposure to different chemicals, environmental factors and radiation, genes not only would change and mutate, but might lead to death as well. As explained in students Encyclopedia Bri tannica, â€Å"Genes can mutate or suddenly change. If a gene mutated early in the embryonic life of a clone, some mutations could considerably change the potential of the clone, perhaps even contribute to an untimely death†Show MoreRelatedThe Benefits of Cloning Essay1095 Words   |  5 PagesThe Advantages of Cloning The first successfully cloned mammal was created on February of 1997. It was a breakthrough in scientific research when the Scottish scientists cloned a sheep by the name of Dolly. The method of cloning requires the extraction of DNA from anywhere on a subjects body and inserting that DNA into a womans egg. Worldwide attention was turned to the prospect of human cloning and with a push for sweeping prohibition (Tribe 459) legislatures around the world banned anyRead MoreCloning Essays1271 Words   |  6 PagesCloning The most significant problem our world has with newfound controversies is that most people take one side on the issue before they become educated on the topic at hand. This is the same problem that I see with the controversial issue of cloning. Whether one argues for or against the cloning of humans or animals, most people leave out the ethics and morals behind the issue. People see movies like Multiplicity, starring Michael Keaton (a movie in which Michael Keaton clones himselfRead MoreEssay The Debate Concerning Stem Cell Research1409 Words   |  6 Pagesto better the lives of those living, but at what cost? In their articles â€Å"Cloning Human Beings: An Assessment of Pro and Con,† by author Dan W. Brock; â€Å"The Ethical Implications of Guman Cloning,† by Michael J. 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As society progresses, so, too, does human life continue to advance and improve. Medical advances have allowed humans to overcome disease and illness, and ultimately prolog human life. For example, the success of stem cell research has granted doctors the resources to replace damaged cells and begin to repairRead MoreThe Ethics Of Human Cloning Essay1927 Words   |  8 Pagesis created, and this act of reproductive cloning is regarded with controversy; is it morally permissible, or is it morally grotesque. There are certain elements to consider when debating the ethics of human cloning. Leon Kass in his article â€Å"The Wisdom of Repugnance† contends that reproductive cloning is morally corrupt, describing it as offensive, repulsive, and repugnant, believing these terms to be commonly associated with regards to human cloning. Kass goes forth with his arguments byRead MoreEthical And Philosophical Nature Of Human Rights2452 Words   |  10 Pagesopinion, correlates with the course themes of Ideology and Inquiry, and secondly Origins and Politics of human rights. However, recent progression in genetics and genetic engineering have made it possible to change the very nature of the mankind, thus uprising many questions of ethical and philosophical nature. Personally speaking, in choosing the topic for the essay I were mainly interested in the human rights and its nature, how far it could go beyond its origins and control, therefore, addressing age-oldRead MoreCloning : An Controversial Article Titled Experimental Genetic And Human Evolution Promoting Human Cloning2487 Words   |  10 PagesRohini Krishnan Professor Sara Goering PHIL 242 21st November 2014 Reproductive Cloning Joshua Lederberg’s controversial article titled â€Å"Experimental Genetic and Human Evolution† promoting human cloning, published in the 60’s sparked the widespread debate on cloning that would continue for decades to come. Leon Kass, leader of the President’s council of bioethics and a prominent figure in this debate, engaged in a lively debate with Lederberg where he argued that the â€Å"programmed reproduction ofRead MoreEssay on Does Artificial Human Cloning Challenge Ethical Boundaries?2112 Words   |  9 PagesDoes Artificial Human Cloning Challenge Ethical Boundaries? Are you one of the millions of humans that take their individuality for granted? If so, adding a replica of a loved one no big deal. Or is it? Human cloning, will it be the wave of the future which will create a human being that will genetically superior or simple replace a loved one that died? What would a parent pay to replace a lost child $1000.00, $10,000.00, or as much as one million dollars, and if so would this be justifiable, moral