There are many issues surrounding therapeutic cloning in humans
which are important to consider. The idea of cloning often provokes strong
negative reactions from people but some information comes from unreliable
sources such as science fiction and horror films. When coming to ethical
decisions about the right and wrong of therapeutic cloning, it is significant
to be well informed.
First it is important to note the difference between the two distinct
forms of cloning. Reproductive cloning is making copies of entire organisms and
therapeutic cloning is making copies of embryonic stem cells only. In the field
of natural science, embryos are used for reproduction only but many people
believe that using them for experiments is not right. The use of embryonic stem
cells have led to major accomplishments in natural science such as growing skin
to repair a burn, growing new heart muscle to repair an ailing heart, and
growing new kidney tissue to rebuild a failing kidney. Scientists believe that
embryonic stem cells can be used to save lives and reduce pain for patients and
that cells are taken at a stage when embryos have no nerve cells so therapeutic
cloning should be acceptable.
However, some argue that every human embryo is a potential life and
should be given the chance of development. It is also important to know that
there is a risk of embryonic cells developing into tumor cells which will lead
to death instead of saving lives. In addition, more embryos are produced than
needed so a lot of them are destroyed. Is it acceptable to kill many potential
human beings? Does the benefits outweigh the ethical implications?
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