Why is human cloning such a controversial issue? Human cloning is the process of creating an exact human genetic duplicate. It is a very controversial matter because there are ethical questions raised as well as doubts about its actual effectiveness. The argument on the pros and cons of human cloning is definitely interesting and enlightening.
The pros and cons of human cloning: Rejuvenation
Advocates of cloning are very positive that this technology can get rid of everything that comes with aging like wrinkles, Parkinson’s disease, heart problems and every degenerative diseases. In fact cloning may even cure heart problems by injecting cloned heart cells into the damaged area.
However, those who are against this technology negate this claim saying that tests on animals have never been successful and all the more that human cloning is not clinically viable. Oppositionists say that there is still a very high chance of rejection with an injected cloned organ.
The pros and cons of human cloning: Infertility
Those who are for human cloning say that this is the answer to couples who want to have a child but cannot bear one. Take note that the infertility treatments today are not very successful and the couple goes through physical and emotional pain without any result. With human cloning, childless couples will have a child which is still genetically their own.
Those against cloning raise points saying that this technology destabilizes the family structure. A naturally born child will be loved by parents the way the child is. However, the degree of affection for the parents of a cloned child will have a set of standards like how closely the clone resembles the original. Furthermore, what exactly is the relationship between the original and the clone? Aren’t they more like twins rather than parent and child? Additionally, being classified as a “clone” is already paving the way for stigma even at its earliest point.
The pros and cons of human cloning: Plastic and cosmetics surgery
Those who have suffered burns greatly benefit from human cloning. They will receive skin tissues that is still their own. Women who have undergone mastectomy will not need dangerous silicon for breast reconstruction anymore because they will have totally natural breasts coming from their own cells. You see there are two types of cloning. The therapeutic cloning where cells are reproduced to heal diseases. The other type is the reproductive cloning. This is the one that involves making human clones.
The anti-cloning say this benefit is more of a theory than a fact. Scientists themselves are in conflict regarding the efficiency of the procedure because even though cloning is already viable, the success of the transplantation procedure is still very much questionable.
The pros and cons of human cloning: Genetic defects
Inherited family diseases are such a problem and it is so unfair both for the parent and the unborn child. Parents feel guilty for having passed on a genetic disease and children suffer for it throughout their lives. Supporters of human cloning very happily report that this technology will take away problematic genes thus the future generation will not suffer the diseases that previous generations have been ill with.
Those who oppose human cloning cry out that tampering with the natural processes of human life is acting god. Scientifically, therapeutic cloning is not feasible because it needs lots of egg cells from host females because of its very low success rate. Therefore, oppositionists assert that the claim cloning is the cure to genetic defects is both unethical and fictional.
The pros and cons of human cloning: Liver transplants
Another positive aspect of human cloning is solving the problem of liver shortage for patients who need a liver transplant. It cannot be denied that there are a lot of liver cancer patients who die while still on the waiting list for a healthy liver. Cloning technology gives the possibility that people will survive liver cancer by having a healthy liver taken from their own cells readily available for transplant.
Those who are against cloning point out that aside from the scientific fact that cloned organs may still be rejected by the patient there is also the issue of placing the female host’s health at risk and the fact that cloning opens commercialism to disadvantaged women all over the world. You see, to treat one patient a female needs to produce hundreds of egg cells. To make this possible, she must undergo hormonal treatments. Then will have to undergo surgery so that the egg cells may be harvested and stored for future use. Oppositionists declare this practice is unethical and very inhuman.
The pros and cons of human cloning: success versus failure
Cloning technology is absolutely a very advanced study in medical science and it cannot be denied that the trailblazers have achieved some degree of success, mostly in animals. However, when looking at things deeper than the advertised success, you can see the long, difficult process where failures far outweigh the accomplishments. Though it may be true that cloning is still an ongoing study, there is also the question following ethical procedures. This is the reason why cloning is very much a controversial issue. The goals of cloning technology are very idealistic. The genetic scientists conducting human cloning are actually just looking for ways to elevate human existence and make humans more resilient against diseases. And, this is just the beginning of cloning advantages.
The pros and cons of human cloning: solution versus ethics
Just imagine, you can take away the wrinkles anytime and get cured of diseases due to old age. So you look young and stay healthy even at a hundred years old or more, who knows? Furthermore, just imagine being able to produce a total replica of you even if you cannot bear a child of your own. In an era where the concept of family is ever changing, human cloning gives all kinds of couples the chance to have a child which they can still call their flesh and blood. The possibilities of cloning both as therapeutic and reproductive solution are ideal and endless.
However, amidst the entire rave about the good of cloning technology, it is also worthy to look at the disadvantages of human cloning. There are a lot of sound arguments against it, especially the question about ethics. It is very important that in everything we do, we never step on the dignity of being human. In order to save one we must not make others like farm products to be “harvested” or “make” people just to satisfy a want.
Looking at the pros and cons of human cloning
Cloning is a very interesting study. However, before you take a stand, arm yourself with facts first. Always look at the pros and cons of human cloning as there are always two sides to every story.
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