Immorality of Human Cloning Essay -- essays research papers

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 consider the basic concepts of human dignity, liberty and identity. Considering our role in the world, it is society’s place to dictate moral boundaries to ban all human cloning, including that done in the name of medical progress. Human cloning is a serious issue and a frightening prospect of what the future may hold. It has been proven neither effective, nor safe. Before this minimum requirement is met, cloning should be avoided and not attempted on humans. Despite this, advocates argue that cloning can improve human genetics, and can prevent genetically transmitted diseases. The truth is that cloning will not improve genetic make up of the human race. According to Darwin’s famous theory, nature adapts its species and no one should interfere in the process. A radical change in nature, such as creating a society of clones, will diminish the human diversity resulting from the various mixings of genes. Another problem says Lane Lester who earned his Ph.D in genetics is that â€Å"everyone possesse... ... cloning is necessary or useful for any purpose. Banning cloning far outweighs the potential curing of genetically transmitted diseases, it crosses an ethical line in the creation of human beings. As a moral society, we should strive to enforce moral boundaries and create rather then destroy. Works Cited "Gene Mutation" The Encyclopedia Britannica. 15th ed. 2007. Print. Leone, Paul. Cloning and the Future of Human Embryo Research. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2001. Google Books. Web. 12 Feb. 2014. Masci, Margaret O., and John F. Setaro. Medicine's Brave New World: Bioengineering and the New Genetics. Brookfield: Twenty-First Century, 2001. Print. Winters, Paul A. Cloning. San Diego: Greenhaven, 1998. Print. Gallup Poll: Support for Embryonic Stem Cell Research $ Dropping. Web. 12 Feb. 2014. http://www.lifenews.com/2005/08/16/bio-1111/