Human Cloning

Human Cloning

From movies of the 1950's to scientific technology of the twenty first century the idea of human cloning has captured audiences the world over. Debates have raged as to ethical the considerations, commercial correctness, and familial concerns in respect to the very process itself (Andrews, 1999). However, like any other medical or sociological phenomenon in today's world human cloning has its pro-activists and protagonists as well as those who loathe and condemn the activity. Right or wrong, the scientific investigation into human cloning is not, I feel, in the hands of those who have no material or ulterior and concealed motive for creating a scientific observable fact that carries with it massive moral responsibility. The remainder of this report will examine the area of human cloning with respect to possible uncertainties.

The single most important factor underlying the cloning issue is the dehumanization of man through the advancement of biotechnology. In an article by Leon Kass (2001) the concept was expertly expressed as an empirical investigative endeavor whereby man's scientific accomplishments are at the expense of cultural stability, respect for personal choice, and the right to individual control. A second, and just as formidable, argument against cloning is, for the writer of this report, that continued experimentation in human cloning will result in an incomprehensible denial that everyday man has control of his destiny; and if permitted to continue will thrust mankind back into the horrific era of Nazism. Therefore, support must be garnered form those who oppose the process in terms of pressuring the government to enact legislation to entirely halt ubiquitous scientific human cloning or genetic alteration endeavors.

Continuing with Kass' argument against human cloning he labels the process as unethical and one in which the cloned individual would be subject to insurmountable psychological, sociological, and even possible future mutant abnormalities. Whether tongue-in-check or not, Kass found a way in which to present a little humor within a rather abhorrent topic by wondering if a cloned child of a "Daddy" will still be loved by the "Mommy" if the parents ended up in divorce. Other arguments against cloning are directed toward the commercialization of coning, the destruction of the family unit as we know it today, the responsibility "cloners" have to those they have cloned, and the possibility of creating the next generation of "Boys from Brazil."

Although supporters of human cloning are steadfast in their support for the process with respect to bone marrow cell reproduction to fight leukemia, growing hearts, kidney, lungs, and livers for those who are in need of transplants, and to help infertile couple conceive, the tantamount fact remains very clear; namely, that cloning takes ethical decision making out of the equation and personal choice is not an option. Further,

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