Ethical Ethics Of Cloning

Cloning is, and always has been an extremely contentious topic. To some, the ethical complications surrounding it, are far more promiscuous than what scientists and medical experts currently acknowledge. Cloning is a general term that refers to the process in which an organism, or discrete cells and genes, undergo genetic duplication, in order to produce an identical copy of the original biological matter. There are two main types of artificial cloning; reproductive and therapeutic, both of which present their respective benefits and constraints. This essay aims to discuss the various differences between the two processes, as well as the ethical issues associated with it.

As indicated before, reproductive cloning is a particular method within

Both processes also differ in the sense that reproductive cloning has fewer advantages when compared to therapeutic techniques. Studies have consistently made evident the fact that genetically cloned animals have shorter life spans, as well as an inferior quality of life. Consequently, they also lack in genetic variation, which makes the organism more susceptible to disease, and other obstructive circumstances. Contrarily, therapeutic cloning is employed for medicinal purposes, and therefore, ethical implications are quite easy to justify. The continuing practice of therapeutic cloning in relation to stem cell research, can potentially alleviate and cure many incorrigible diseases, which is a significant benefit. Reproductive cloning on the other hand, could be described as a practice instigated to fulfil the many scientific curiosities mankind possesses, and does not have a legitimate reason as to why it is

The reasoning against the use and application of such technology, have mainly been established on common misconceptions regarding the psychological aspect of the process. For example, many still associate, [despite the profound evidence against the notion], a clone as being an exact mental and physical copy of the original organism. There isn’t, nor there has ever been, any scientific indication to support this theory. In terms of physical appearance however, yes, the newly produced organism will possess eerily similar features to that of the original. However, transfer of conceptual and emotional characteristics is not possible at this stage in time; the technology is far too inferior. In relation to therapeutic cloning, an extremely common reason used to oppose the idea, is the use of fertilised embryos in order to derive stem cells. Many activists and religious leaders believe that it is classified as eradicating potential life, and therefore is morally unacceptable. Scientists continue to discredit these claims, believing that the opposition’s reasoning, is a dogma that has outlived its