Human cloning is the use of technology to reproduce an identical newborn like that of a human being. Human cloning has been at the center of controversy for the past few years mainly because people have defined it in the wrong context. Many people have remained negative towards the adoption of the concept of human cloning.
Benefits to Be Realized From Human Cloning
There are a number of ways in which the human cloning is beneficial to mankind the examples include:
- Better Understanding of Genetic Diseases. The technology used in cloning can be useful while carrying out tests in genetics. This can lead to cure of some of the incurable diseases. Diseases such as leukemia could be curable this is through the production of embryos from which organs could be grown for transplant. (Wilmut&Highfield, 2006)
- The Infants Health. Scientists can alter the genetic makeup of an infant in case he/she has been diagnosed with a disease such as downs syndrome. This will be done by balancing the chromosomes in the embryo to give the parents a perfectly normal child.
- Resolving Heart Problems. Healthy heart cells can be cloned and administered to a patient suffering from a heart problem through injection in places where the heart is damaged after suffering from a heart attack.
- Infertility. With the option of cloning, couples who are deemed to be infertile could have children. This would save them a lot of time, money and the enduring emotional torture that is accompanied by the fact that they cannot be able have children.
- Other Incurable Diseases. Diseases such as cancer and spinal chord injuries could become a thing of the past if scientists are allowed to use cloning for their tests. Body organs such as the liver and kidney could be cloned in order to replace them in case they fail.
- Reconstructive, Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. With the coming of the human cloning it would be possible to construct bones, cartilages and even fat practically. Anyone who wishes to undergo any form of surgery should be able to find his/her exact tissue makeup as opposed to being inserted with foreign objects inside their bodies.
According to (Kass &Wilson, 1998) they stated that no matter how much the government tries to place restrictions on scientific research concerning human cloning, they will be engaging in a process of futility since the scientists will move to other countries whereby they will continue with the research. This goes out to show that instead of fighting a losing battle, it is important to look at the bigger picture and support the legislation on the implementation of the human cloning.
Another argument will be that the overall benefits to be realized from this exercise are tremendous. Scientists will be able to make so many breakthroughs to find cures for the supposedly incurable diseases. (Young, 2000).
The course of action recommended is for the people to overcome their fears and have an open mind towards human cloning. The scientists ought to be given the powers to work without being regulated by anybody in the course of their research. (Price, 1998)
Likely question one would be asked includes:
- How is a clone produced?
This involves the duplication of DNA sequences. A good example in a human case will involve the duplication copy of an existing person.
- What are the benefits of cloning?
There are so many benefits that can be realized through cloning mainly on the research on incurable diseases.
- What are your thoughts when human cloning is used to help infertile couples?
This is a noble idea because to my understanding no parent should be denied the right to have a child.
- Is human reproductive cloning against the law?
Most of the laws which are in place are not clear more so in distinguishing between reproductive cloning from research cloning. Some states have not yet placed any legislation controlling the legislation.
- Would access to reproductive planning constitute reproductive rights?
Yes. This is evident in the essence that parents who do not have children have a chance to have children.
References
Kass, l. T., & Wilson, Q.J.(1998).The Ethics of Human Cloning. New York: Aei Press. Print.
Price,C.E.(1988).Does The F.D.A Have Authority To Regulate Human Cloning?. Havard Journal of Law and Technology, 11, 1255-1353. Print.
Wilmut, I&Highfield, R. (2006).After Dolly: The Uses and Misuses of Human. New York: W.W Norton Press. Print.
Young, E. F. (2000).Science Magazine: A Time for Restraint, 15(30), 1325-1450.Print.