Cloning
Cloning refers to the process of creating genes, cells and/or organisms that are identical to the donor (Manninen, 2010). In respect to this, cloning can be divided into three types. These are molecular cloning, also known as recombinant DNA technology, cellular cloning, also known as therapeutic cloning, and organism cloning, also referred to as reproductive cloning. As the name suggests, DNA/molecular cloning concentrates on creation of multiple copies using DNA fragments of an organism. Molecular cloning has no reproductive goals, as it does not result in the creation of an organism. All molecular cloning does is produce copies of the DNA fragment concerned.
Therapeutic cloning on the other hand refers to creation of multiple cells from only one cell. Some organisms such as algae and bacteria are unicellular, making their cloning simple. However, cloning in multi-cellular organisms such as mammals and most plants requires much more effort. In the case of human beings, therapeutic cloning is used in disease therapy, hence the name. This happens when embryonic cells, which are easy to manipulate to any body cells such as liver and neural cells, are obtained from a five-day old embryo (Manninen, 2010). Ideally, using the manipulated cells, a wide array of diseases can be treated and defective genes can be repaired. However, science still needs to overcome numerous challenges associated with stem cell research.
The last type of cloning – reproductive or organism cloning – refers to cloning whose objective is creation of a multi-cellular organism, identical to another. Reproductive cloning is quite widespread in horticulture where asexual reproduction is common. It is in animal reproduction however, that cloning has undergone controversial ethical scrutiny. In this kind of cloning, the cloned embryonic or somatic cells are transferred into conditions that favor their development in much the same way a fertilized egg develops (Logston, 1999). Other than Dolly the sheep – the first cloned mammal from an adult somatic cell – goats, cows, dogs, cats, a water buffalo and other animals have been reproduced through cloning.
Reproductive cloning as mentioned earlier is the type of cloning that has attracted the most controversy. The first two types – molecular and cellular – have been an important contribution of science due to their numerous advantages, and should indeed be allowed. Some of these advantages include the treatment of ailments such as heart defects, burns and cancer. Longevity of organisms can also be aided by cellular cloning. Additionally, organic cloning, which is still only theoretical, has the potential advantage of ensuring that a patient’s immune system does not reject a transplanted organ as it would have been cloned from the patient’s own cells (Manninen, 2010). There are numerous advantages too associated with reproductive cloning. In horticulture, superior plants may be cloned to ensure that propagation of a superior trait in plants is effected. This is beneficial to the world, as disease in plants would theoretically be eliminated. The continuation of these types of cloning should be allowed, as they are more beneficial than detrimental.
When it comes to reproductive cloning of animals on the other hand, regulation should be carried out in order to address the ethical issues associated with cloning. To begin with there are advantages to reproductive cloning of animals. One of these is the fact that desirable animal stocks can rapidly be propagated. This would contribute to commercial sustainability of individuals and societies dependant on livestock. Another advantage to cloning is that of reproduction of genetically identical animals that would be used for research purposes. Finally, an advantage of reproductive cloning of animals is concerned with reproduction of organisms dear to a person. There has been an increase in the successful cloning of pets in an effort to ensure continuation of owner-pet relationships regardless of whether a pet is dead. Additionally, research on the potentials of human cloning indicates that it enjoys some support because it would bring about reproductive liberty, as well as give individuals the opportunity to use cloned cells of a deceased loved one for reproduction (Logston, 1999).
However, reproductive cloning should not be allowed in humans. While most people argue that human cloning is morally wrong, there are even more reasons why it should not be allowed. One of these is that regulation of the practice would be especially difficult and it would potentially lead to mass production of human beings, which would result in the use of human beings for commercial gain. Additionally, human cloning would essentially be a compromise on individuality as two or more individuals would be genetically similar (Logston, 1999). Moreover, human cloning would result in human beings becoming scientific and public objects of experiment, denying cloned humans the right to live a quiet life if they so choose. Finally, human cloning should not be allowed, as it does not offer a unique solution to any human tragedy (Manninen, 2010). Other solutions exist today, or are in the process of development, that can be used to solve problems facing humanity.
Regulation of cloning, including decisions as to which type of cloning should be allowed, should be made by a worldwide body, made up of countries’ bioethics commissions, such as America’s National Bioethics Advisory Commission (Logston, 1999). This body would be charged with ensuring that ethics in all types of cloning are addressed, as well as which types of cloning are allowed and which types are not. Such a worldwide body would ensure that all possible negative effects are addressed by member countries. Additionally, member states would vote on cloning practices, reducing domination by a single state. Indeed, cloning has many benefits that the world can enjoy, but it needs worldwide regulation to ensure that its benefits remain more than its disadvantages.
References
Logston, A. (1999). The ethics of human cloning. Accessed from http://facweb.stvincent.edu/academics/religiousstu/writings/logston1.html.
Manninen, B. A. (2010). Cloning. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Accessed on July 20 2011.
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