Human cloning is the creation of a genetically identical copy of a human. It does not refer to monozygotic multiple births or the reproduction of humans/animals cells or tissue.
The ethics of cloning is an extremely controversial issue. The term is
generally used to refer to artificial human cloning; human clones in the
form of identical twins are commonplace, with their cloning occurring during the natural process of reproduction.
There are two commonly discussed types of human cloning:
A third type of cloning called replacement cloning is a theoretical possibility, and would be a combination of therapeutic and reproductive cloning. Replacement cloning would entail the replacement of an extensively damaged, failed, or failing body through cloning followed by whole or partial brain transplant or harvesting the internal organs of the clone.
There are two commonly discussed types of human cloning:
- therapeutic cloning
- reproductive cloning.
A third type of cloning called replacement cloning is a theoretical possibility, and would be a combination of therapeutic and reproductive cloning. Replacement cloning would entail the replacement of an extensively damaged, failed, or failing body through cloning followed by whole or partial brain transplant or harvesting the internal organs of the clone.
Pros
When it comes to animal cloning, the strongest argument that you are likely to hear is the fact that we can use this process to save several animal species from extinction. Similarly, the advocates of human cloning put forth the argument that it will help to solve the infertility problems in humans. They also state that the process of organ transplantation will become much easier if human cloning is developed to its full potential. By resorting to therapeutic cloning the doctors will be able to replace damaged tissues and organs in the human body, and treat various diseases and disorders with ease. Similarly, genetic modification will have an all new meaning as parents will be able to choose the traits that they would like to see in their child.
Cons
While the advocates of human cloning are armed with several reasons to support their stand, the critics don't seem to be impressed at all. The critics are of the opinion that creating a human clone would mean interfering with the natural process of procreation. At the same time, one needs to also ponder upon the fact that if genes are modified to create smarter human beings by means of cloning, what would happen to the average humans who are not the products of this process. Critics also cite the fact that cloning will result in a huge divide among people, and clones will not be subjected to equal treatment. In a world full of divides on the basis of race and caste, we can't afford to have one more reason to add to the differences. The religious heads of different religious sects are of the opinion that human cloning will put forth man as the creator - which would be like challenging the authority of the supreme entity. At the same time, the critics also cite that more than 90 percent of the attempts to clone mammals have met with failure in the past.
When it comes to therapeutic cloning, the pros seem to have a slight advantage over cons. There also exist concepts such as replacement cloning - wherein a clone of previously living person can be created, and persistence cloning - wherein the cloned body will be created to do away with the process of aging. However, these concepts are still on the paper, and it's a bit too early to talk about them.
When it comes to animal cloning, the strongest argument that you are likely to hear is the fact that we can use this process to save several animal species from extinction. Similarly, the advocates of human cloning put forth the argument that it will help to solve the infertility problems in humans. They also state that the process of organ transplantation will become much easier if human cloning is developed to its full potential. By resorting to therapeutic cloning the doctors will be able to replace damaged tissues and organs in the human body, and treat various diseases and disorders with ease. Similarly, genetic modification will have an all new meaning as parents will be able to choose the traits that they would like to see in their child.
Cons
While the advocates of human cloning are armed with several reasons to support their stand, the critics don't seem to be impressed at all. The critics are of the opinion that creating a human clone would mean interfering with the natural process of procreation. At the same time, one needs to also ponder upon the fact that if genes are modified to create smarter human beings by means of cloning, what would happen to the average humans who are not the products of this process. Critics also cite the fact that cloning will result in a huge divide among people, and clones will not be subjected to equal treatment. In a world full of divides on the basis of race and caste, we can't afford to have one more reason to add to the differences. The religious heads of different religious sects are of the opinion that human cloning will put forth man as the creator - which would be like challenging the authority of the supreme entity. At the same time, the critics also cite that more than 90 percent of the attempts to clone mammals have met with failure in the past.
When it comes to therapeutic cloning, the pros seem to have a slight advantage over cons. There also exist concepts such as replacement cloning - wherein a clone of previously living person can be created, and persistence cloning - wherein the cloned body will be created to do away with the process of aging. However, these concepts are still on the paper, and it's a bit too early to talk about them.
The Risks
- Inefficient Process
- Genetic Anomalies
- Trouble During Growth
- Contracting Telomeres
- Social and Ethical Issues
Benefits
- Infertility Treatment: Human cloning could be a blessing for infertile couples, as reproductive cloning does not involve the fusion of the sex cells.
- Treating Diseases: As already discussed, therapeutic cloning can be used to treat a number of degenerative diseases like those of the nervous system, spinal cord injury and organ failure. Also who knows, it could also be used to regenerate whole limbs. This would provide a life changing line of treatment for amputees.
- Replacing Defective Genes: Defective genes would cause sickness in an individual, however healthy a lifestyle he leads. Advances in human cloning will help him to replace the defective genes with healthy ones
- Cosmetic Treatment: Relieving individuals of the diseases that are caused due to plastic or cosmetic surgery, is another human cloning benefit.
I am at the tail end of a 3 month research paper on cloning. Your article helped break things down in a more cohesive way. Thank you!!! This has helped immensely with finishing touches on my Prezi.
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