Seimi Park
The Ethics of Human Cloning
Ever since the cloning of Dolly the Sheep in 1996, the ethics of cloning, more
specifically human cloning, have been questioned. Several concerns include safety, potential
crimes, and religious and ethical violations. The scientific team at the University of Utah defines
cloning as a purpose reproduction, research, and medical development. The idea of humans
being “created” for technological advancement is a violation of laws and morals from a religious
and scientific standpoint.
Cloning could potentially lead to criminal controversies.
With further inventions and
research, cloning could easily become a part of everyday life. Anyone could have easy access to
their DNA and possibly those of others as well. “This is what makes DNA evidence so valuable
-- it's almost impossible for someone else to have DNA that is identical to yours” (Harris). The
greatest potential issue in cloning is identity theft, where people could create duplicates of others.
Human genomes define a person, their characteristics, and their abilities. The passage to the use
of cloning will only lead to a breech in the rights of human life.
Even with a logical explanation for all the posed scientific questions, many ethical and moral
problems are still present. Is it lawful for man to create other man? Should humans be able to
act as God and create other humans? Linda Gray, the sponsor of the human-embryo bill, stated,
"Creating human life for the purpose of experimentation and destruction violates human dignity”
(Rau). Not only is cloning against our laws and morals, but it interferes with nature and various
religions. Our job as humans is to let nature take its course; people will die, everyone will be
different, and genetic diversity should be present at all times. If cloning were to become a part of
everyday life, what would we be, other than mere objects?
Many people argue that human cloning will assist in the study of genetics, provide quicker
medical development, and promote stem cell growth.
While human cloning would be a
tremendous stepping stone in genetics and medical development, it poses many scientific issues.
Clones are created for the sole purpose to serve as an “object” in genetic studies. A clone would
have a brain and a beating heart. They are human beings nonetheless, why should they be
sacrificed? But even after the actual process, what would happen after a human being is cloned?
It has been shown that “nearly 98 percent of cloning efforts end in failure” (“How Human
Cloning Will Work”). The 2% of clones that do survive while show mutations, early aging, or
increase in chances of disease. Therefore, the benefits of cloning simply do not override the risks
involved.
With thorough research, one could conclude that cloning is unethical, violates laws and
religion, virtually diminishes genetic variety, and poses many safety threats. “As we seek what
is possible, we must always ask what is right, and we must not forget that even the most noble
ends do not justify any means. Research cloning would contradict the most fundamental
principle of medical ethics, that no human life should be exploited or extinguished for the benefit
of another.” President Bush said, “We should not create life in order to destroy it” (“Life Issue
Institute”). For these reasons, cloning should be stopped immediately, as it could be the first step
towards changing humanity.
Works Cited
Bonsor, Kevin, and Cristen Conger. "How Human Cloning Will Work." HowStuffWorks. N.p.,
n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2013.
Connor, Steve. "This Procedure Can't Be Ethical Until It Is Proven Safe." The Independent
(London, England). 22 Apr 2009: 2. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 05 Feb 2013.
Dudley, William. The Ethics of Human Cloning. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven, 2001. Print.
Harris, William. "How DNA Evidence Works." HowStuffWorks. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2013.
"Organ Cloning." Organ Cloning RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Feb. 2013.
ProQuest Staff. "At Issue: Human Cloning." ProQuest LLC. 2013: N.pag. SIRS Issues
Researcher. Web. 05 Feb 2013.
Rau, Alia Beard. "Bill Eyes Ban on Cloning, 'Hybrids'." Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ). 13
Mar 2010: B.1. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 05 Feb 2013.
"Reactions: The Cloning Debate." ThinkQuest. Oracle Foundation, n.d. Web. 07 Feb. 2013.