Why is there such a big ethical controversy surrounding the use of human cloning? How does morality and religion come into play?
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Human cloning is one of the most controversial topics to arise in the scientific field. One of the biggest arguments against human cloning is that it is unethical. This is because therapeutic cloning requires the destruction of the embryo in order to gain stem cells from it ("An Overview of Stem Cell Research"). Reproductive cloning may also result in the killing of embryos as it has a very low success rate. To further study and experiment with this type of cloning, the destruction of many embryos will be necessary before a successful clone can be created ("Reproductive vs. 'Therapeutic' Cloning"). This destruction of embryos is seen by many as unethical and immoral. They argue that no matter how old, it is never okay to kill another human being; this applies to human embryos as they have a life (Weldon). Although therapeutic cloning can lead to treating many different diseases, is it truly right to do evil and kill embryos in order to get there? For many people, it is against their morals to kill an innocent life for the advantage of others (Weldon).
In addition, people argue that it is unethical to experiment with cloning humans when this branch of cloning is still not fully understood ("Cloning Fact Sheet"). Only around one or two embryos actually survive after 100 experiments ("Cloning Fact Sheet"). With the low rates of success for animal clones, it is seen as morally wrong and irresponsible to kill embryos for this cause ("Cloning Fact Sheet").Reproductive cloning has also been seen as an insult to the nature of humans and many believe that through this type of cloning, human dignity is lost ("Human Cloning"). Religion is also a major part of this controversial topic. In the bible, it has been stated that human creation is not up to humans but is God’s job and for his pleasure ("An Overview of Stem Cell Research"). Some religions also advocate that unborn embryos are still human beings and that God acknowledges and individually values each of them ("An Overview of Stem Cell Research"). |