The Ethics Of Human Cloning Essay Research

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Philosophy: The Ethics of Human Cloning

In order to make a fully justified decision on whether human cloning is ethical or not,

one must be exposed to the background of the subject. To start, a clone is an exact replica of

an organism, cell, or gene. The process itself is done asexually with the use of a cell from the

original human. It is then placed inside a female capable of bearing a child and is then born

as a clone. Along with this comes questions of whether or not it is right to clone a human

being based on different facts and opinions of small groups or communities(Dudley 11).

The technology of cloning is not quite developed enough for a doctor to be certain that

an experiment will be successful. In Scotland, the first sheep was cloned and was named

Dolly. It took over 250 tries before they were successful in creating the clone. When news of

this reached America, immediately polls showed that ninety percent of Americans were

against the idea of cloning humans. Those who support cloning research replied by saying the

public based their opinions on fallacies of the news media and, therefore, could not

comprehend the whole picture(Farnsworth).

Those in favor of cloning might say it can push forward medical research. For

example, with cloning technology it may be possible to learn how to replace old cells with

new ones. This could lead to a longer life for each individual. Also, with enough research

scientists could create clones to act as donors. Some scientists say that human cloning may

eventually reverse heart attacks. This accomplishment would take place by injecting healthy

heart cells into damaged heart tissue.

In addition, cloning could help improve family life. For example, if a couple lost a

child they loved dearly and could not reproduce naturally, cloning that child could be an

alternative. In this way, the parents would have the chance to love the clone just as much as

the original child.

On the other hand, those against cloning would say that it is wrong for a doctor to harm

a clone. If this were allowed, eventually we would compromise the individual. Clones would

become second-class citizens. Cloning strips humanity from natural reproduction by leaving a

clone with only one parent. In addition, there would be a decline in genetic diversity. In

other words, if some day we all have the same genetic makeup and lose the technology of

cloning, we would have to resort back to natural reproduction. This would cause problems

because it has the same effect as inbreeding.

In the same way, clones would feel like they had lost their individuality. For example,

their genetic makeup would be known.

Also, there could be negative psychological effects that will impact the family and

society. For instance, if a clone finds out that s/he has no biological father it may suppress the

clone’s feeling of equality among other naturally born people. Also, there is a chance that the

mother or the clone may become sterile. Among all of these there are too many risks for the

bearing mothers and embryos. Eventually, it would turn into a routine to destroy human

embryos in the process of cloning(”The Ethics of Cloning”).

According to Latter-Day Saints, cloning does not respect the fact that humans have

souls and it robs clones of their humanity. God intended the power to create humans to be

practiced between a man and a woman in the boundaries of marriage. Do otherwise is taking

the work of God into your own hands. This means that humans lack the authority to make

decisions about creating or destroying a life. In addition, humans do not have enough

knowledge or power to control outcomes of certain events (Dudley 56).

However, others believe religion has no place in the debate. They argue, interpreters of

the Bible can not agree on what actions God would allow to be done with justified means. In

addition, the Koran or the Bible have limits to their validity because they do not address

specific issues that need to be answered(Dudley 66).

After analyzing the situation, Aristotle would say that human cloning is unethical

because bad means are used. For instance, it took scientists 277 tries to create the first cloned

sheep. This means that there were hundreds of deformities before the successful specimen

was created. In the same way, deformities of humans would be a result of experimentation,

which would decrease the quality of life for those specific clones. And, even if we found a

cure for a disease, let’s say cancer, it would be reaching a good end through bad means.

On the other hand, Kant would say that human cloning is ethical in that the number of

people who benefit from it outweighs the number of people who suffer from it. For example,

cloning could be a way to help expand the length of human life, but it would cost the lives of

clones who were failures in the experiment. In this way, Kant would agree that bettering all

of humanity in exchange for a small group of less fortunate people is justified.

Somewhat closer to agreeing with Aristotle than Kant, Sartre would say the act of

cloning a human being is an act of free will. Therefore, if an individual decided to go forward

in this act, they would be correct because each situation is unique. According to Sartre,

however, the individual is involved in this action is, in fact, responsible and would receive the

consequences that come about in the particular act. Therefore, Sartre would come to a

consensus that it is ethical to clone humans, but the consequences of doing so are upon those

who are apart of the act.

After taking into account many of the alternatives and situations of cloning, I would not

support human cloning. The effects from all of the harms that are unknown outweigh all of

the good that can come from the research of cloning. In addition, I agree with Aristotle that

you must not use bad means to reach a good end. Therefore, seeing that cloning human is

both degrading to the clone and to humanity, I believe that cloning involves too much

unknown information that we would need in order to even consider it. However, if scientists

had enough information to be able to clone a human without a shadow of a doubt, then it

might be more ethical to clone. But, the social glitch would still be present; clones would be

seen as inferior to naturally reproduced humans. Therefore, I do not support the legalization

of cloning or any practices thereof.

My solution bends more towards the objective part of the spectrum. I think that if

humans could be cloned without the risk of death or intentional killing of clones for organ

transplants it would be more acceptable to practice it. But, the clone’s social status could not

change as easily as the latter. Universally, therefore, cloning should be banned in order to

preserve the natural functions which we were made to perform as human beings.

A general rule for cloning humans is “do not clone unless there are no negative

consequences as a result of performing the act.”

Bruce, Donald “Should We Clone Humans?” 17 Dec. 98. 28 Feb. 01. .

Dudley, William, Ed. The Ethics of Human Cloning. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc. copyright 2001.

Farnsworth, Joseph. “To Clone or Not to Clone: The Ethical Question.” 7 Apr. 2000. 28 Feb. 01.

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“Cloning: Right or Wrong?” Tripod. 11 May 98. 20 Mar. 01. .

“The Ethics of Cloning.” Panania-Milperra Anglican Church. 23 May 99. 10 Mar. 01.

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“The Ethics of Cloning of Humans from Somatic Cells.” 13 Mar. 98. 5 Mar. 01 .