The Debate on Human Cloning

In the beginning, cloning was viewed as a significant biological achievement, which has not turned out to be a controversial issue today. Primarily, the controversy concerns human cloning, undertakings which involve the creation of genetically identical copies of humans or their cells. When dolly (the first successful biologically cloned sheep) was created, it interested many people across the globe, researches, scientist and ordinary people, alike – they wanted to know more about the cloning process along with its advantages and potential disadvantages towards the human race. With the little knowledge gained, the entire world is seemingly divided over the controversy, mostly termed as an ethical concern; where some are supporting the practice while others oppose it.

The legality of human cloning

Conversely, it has been learned that scientists are yet to clone humans. The cloning process is prohibited in some states, while others only allow biomedical cloning research procedures. Nonetheless, as far as this paper is concerned, in the US, there are no federal laws against human cloning. Undeniably, human cloning technology is already here, the first sheep clone, Dolly has evidenced that. The issue of cloning has provoked ethical questions revolving around God’s role within the society, the soul and the more significant aspect of the quality of human life brought about by cloning. Furthermore, the advantages of the process as also quite clear, the ethical question is whether cloning would be helpful to the society. Therefore, this paper seeks to respond to the research question; whether or not cloning of human cells should be a federal crime punishable by time in jail and hefty fines.

Pros and Cons of Cloning

Advantages of human cloning would potentially remove defective genes in humans. An excellent example is the case of genetic illnesses which have recently developed to be the leading human killer; cloning would possibly eliminate these faulty DNA lines through creation and mutilation of human cells (Hirschler 2018). In the human reproductive disciplines, cloning can be considered to be the equivalent (technological version) of the natural clones, identical twins. Moreover, for a case involving infertile couples or those who have lost their offspring, cloning gives them an opportunity to produce clones of themselves (Kendall 2018). The cloning technology is anticipated to change the world positively; where the process will be innovatively applied to humans, plants and animals to reap benefits (Stahl 2018). Cloning has also been established to assist humans to recover from traumatic injuries – cloning process has been found to help people recover to their normal being following horrific injuries (Hirschler 2018). For example, professional athletes with torn ACLs. Last but not least, cloning gives a new sense of genetic modification; with human cloning, patents can potentially choose their desired trait of their kids (Kendall 2018). For example, a couple will be able to select their children gender, eye color among other characteristics.

The arguments against cloning

On the other hand, the arguments against cloning would start by the fact that cloning processes interfere with nature; from the higher point of view of human life, procreation is a natural process which should not be altered or corrected – otherwise, it would result to adverse domino effects; attributed to life. For example, a smarter being who is beyond and above average man might be created; subsequently, it might not fit in the society. Cloning may also lead to a declined sense of individuality. From another perspective it may lead to a divide among humans; will the clones be considered and treated human beings? The answer to such a query has potential controversial outcomes. Additionally, cloning will reduce the overall value of human life; cloning would imply humans are no longer considered as an individual but instead are seen as commodities (Fukuyama 30). For instance, if parents dislike their naturally born children, they would seek clones which are perfect. It is speculative that human cloning poses a threat and risk of exploitation against other individuals vested interests. Although the argument only befits a sci-fi movie, it can also be the reality, where the process can be used for unlawful and criminal intents. The process has also encountered a lot of failures, an aspect that significantly, mutes the debate – it can easily be deduced that cloning is unsuccessful. Lastly, all aspects of cloning are generally against the religious ethics.

The debate on human cloning is undoubtedly dominated by immoderations; where the opposition is against the realization of perfect human nature and the unethical aspects of the process. These arguments are enough to justify its ban. Moreover, cloning has the potential of killing a human being and would mostly contradict the principles of medical ethics, dictating that human life should not be extinguished of exploited for any benefit whatsoever. Additionally, the path led by cloning technology is a slippery slope – once it is approved, it would be virtually impossible to regulate its use or ban human baby cloning.

Сonclusion

Although the benefits of human cloning are huge and would assist in mitigating between human problems and diseases, the path is a slippery slope. It would radically increase the risk of exploitation for the benefits of others together with the religious and ethical concerns arising. Therefore, the paper is not in support of human cloning; and because approving the undertaking would virtually impossible to regulate its use or ban human baby cloning, the process should be prohibited altogether. Accordingly, the proposed bill, the Human Cloning Prohibition Act, which states that human cell cloning should be a federal crime, penalized from up to 10 years’ imprisonments or an equivalent of $1 million in fines; should be enacted. The bill is the best approach to address and eradicated the baby cloning issue.

Work Cited

Fukuyama, Francis. “In defense of nature, human and non-human.” World Watch 15.4 (2002): 30-32.

Hirschler, Ben. ”Chinese Scientists Break Key Barrier By Cloning Monkeys.” U.S.. N.p., 2018. Web. 6 Dec. 2018.

Kendall, Peter. ”Chicago Tribune - HUMAN CLONING DEBATE: WHY DO IT?.” Chicagotribune.com. N.p., 2018. Web. 6 Dec. 2018.

Stahl, Lesley. ”The Clones Of Polo.” Cbsnews.com. N.p., 2018. Web. 6 Dec. 2018.