Human Cloning - Research Paper Example

Human Cloning Abstract Human cloning is the process of generating a genetically indistinguishable replica of the individual. Cloning is the process that is not related with the reproduction but is encompasses creation of a human using asexual means. Cloning is well accepted in the scientific communities but it enfolds ethical controversies too. Cloning is performed to fulfill therapeutic objectives and therefore it is categorized as therapeutic cloning and for reproductive purposes under reproductive cloning to generate the replica of human for enhancing the number. Therapeutic cloning is emerging as an active area of research and comprise of cell cloning from the adult for therapeutic purposes. Besides therapeutic and reproductive cloning another category of cloning called the replacement cloning is also gaining prevalence. Replacement cloning is an amalgamation of therapeutic as well as reproductive cloning. The term gained prominence as it involves comprehensively injured, abortive, or weakening body, and replacement of the whole or partial organ or part of the body. The present article discusses the pros and cons of human cloning while extracting attention to understand the significance of human cloning in the advancement of human civilization. Introduction Human cloning is the process of generating a genetically indistinguishable replica of human being. The process is thought to be of therapeutic or reproductive importance. Therapeutic cloning encompasses cloning cells for their exploitation in treating various ailments. On the other hand reproductive cloning generates human clones, this is prohibited in many nations because of ethical concerns. The moral predicament of human cloning lies on the argument either to promote or to impede cloning (Human cloning). The Problems/Dangers and Controversies of Cloning Cloning is discouraged by various nations as cloning is against the rule of nature, which is generating humans, nurturing them and paving the way for uncertainties related with the repercussions of science. At present human population has crossed the figure of 7 billion, a huge burden on the planet. Is cloning going to resolve the issue of exponentially increasing human population is a big question imposed by the detractors of human cloning (Disadvantages of cloning). Considering the previous failures that involved Dolly experiments, uncertainty of science technology is mounting. Detractors of human cloning have their say about the loss of genetic diversity leading to higher probability and pervasiveness of genetic diseases. Poor adaptability of clones may become detrimental for situations of jeopardy. Inbreeding leads to self-annihilation. Cloning is inhumane as it abolish the bond of love and care and is said to be transgressing the nature. The process of cloning highlight that the human or scientists can play the role of Creator or God as cloning is a kind of asexual reproduction, therefore reduces the sense of distinctiveness of a character, lacking uniqueness and freedom (Disadvantages of cloning; Williamson, 1999). Morally it is not supported by the opponents as they believe that human beings cannot take the laws of mother nature in hand and one cannot play the role of the Creator, God of the universe. For therapeutic use also if embryonic stem cells are being used, it is an eventual process of killing the embryo (Ethical Dilemmas of Cloning). It is also noteworthy to have an insight regarding the amplification in human population and ecological burden on resources and on other surviving species. Growing population is putting pressure on the demands of basic amenities, infrastructures and social set ups; with human cloning, further contribution to disaster cannot be eluded (Disadvantages of cloning). According to Savulescu (1999), human cloning is accountable to abuse, a person's right to individualism and self-sufficiency and being self is violated, moreover genetic individuality is also lost and human beings are used as a model organism. Cloning also enhances the risk of self safety due to genetic irregularity, cancer and diminished lifespan. Pros/ Advantages of Cloning According to the beliefs of Human Cloning Foundation (HCF), cloning technology is to find out a solution to enormous diseases and to prolong the survival rate. The technology could be utilized for blood cell cloning, organ cloning, treating cancer and to cure infertility. It could be exploited for cosmetic and plastic surgery and to prolong the aging. The technology could be used to overturn heart attacks. The technique utilizes embryonic stem cells for mending and reinstate damaged tissues. It could be used to replace skin tissues for burn victims, to replace damaged brain tissues, spinal cord cells or for regenerating tissues of various malfunctioning or non-functioning organs (Smith). Considering the positive aspects displayed by the process of cloning, the technology must be presented to meet the challenges being imposed by calamities every day. Cloning holds the promise for the treatment of infertility, teratogenic anomalies leading to miscarriages, abortions or generation of abnormal/ deformed children with feeble survival rate. The Human Genome Project (HGP) has been deciphered in the year 2003 which paves the way for researchers to explore genes for therapeutics and for improving the human genome (Human genome Project Information). Research is also underway to procure the cure for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, Arthritis, plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery, limb amputation, breast implants, replacement of faulty genes, chromosomal anomalies, liver and kidney transplantation (Smith). Research is going on for replacement cloning which is an amalgamation of therapeutic and reproductive cloning. Replacement cloning would necessitate the substitution of widely injured, abortive, or deteriorating body/ organs by means of cloning, ensuing whole or partial organ/ tissue transplantation. Research reveals that cloning encompass generation of copies of DNA or of cells leading to the development of complete organism. Clones are generated using somatic cells and in recent years with the help of stem cells. Clones are normally generated to procure therapeutic implications, used to study the development process, organogenesis, cause of disease, the genetic basis of altered condition that is responsible for causing disease (Smith). The most powerful tool that human cloning is bestowed with is the replacement of the defective genes. As genes are the basic control machinery of the body, their products i.e. proteins are responsible for the formation of various cellular entities, receptors molecules, for enzymes, hormones etc, any defect in the gene could result in the deficiency of the protein that is required to accomplish the function. Thus genes play the most imperative role in cellular or biological implications (Smith). Cloning paves the way for replacing the defective gene with the perfect one. Human cloning provides a ray of hope for infertile couples. Human cloning provides a means for replacing plastic or cosmetic surgery which in many cases were responsible for immunological consequences, but with human cloning procedures various tissues could be generated comprising bones and cartilages, connective tissues and nerves without using chemical agents especially silicone gel and one can escape the tedious surgical procedures. Accidental deformities could be taken care with the help of human cloning procedures especially the process holds promise for the regeneration of amputees' limbs (Smith). Breast silicone implantation is the most prevalent cosmetic procedure now being adopted by numerous women across the world, which may result in the immunological complications or other associated diseases, but with the advent of human cloning process the procedure could be simplified and augmentation of breast could be performed with the host's tissues, thereby escaping all the impediments (Smith). As genes are responsible for the normal functioning of the body, any defect in the gene or alteration of its nitrogen base sequences could be devastating. Human cloning is the procedure that aids in the replacement of defective genes and syndromes encompassing chromosomal anomalies like Down's syndrome or Tay-Sachs disease could be taken care. Apart from syndromes, organogenesis could also be taken care by the process of human cloning for the generation of liver to overcome liver failure, generation of kidney to overcome kidney failure, cloning of bone marrow cells to overcome leukemia, to treat cancer through gene regulation mechanism, treatment of cystic fibrosis, curing spinal and nerve injuries which may bring a light of hope for those who are bedridden or are on wheelchairs. Genetic manipulation could serve to be the boon for those suffering with genetic defects (Smith). According to Savulescu (1999), human cloning provides personal reproductive options, an independence for scientific enquiry, it inculcates the feeling of being immortal, an independent feeling of eugenics, enables one to have a feeling of sense of worth, dead dear ones can be replaced. It provides basis to stem cell research and hence an understanding for various diseases and genetic anomalies which enable scientists to seek treatment and factors influencing the diseases. The criterion was well supported by the UK authorities and they recommended human cloning for therapeutic research. Considering the importance of human cloning the government has amended the decision and has permitted cloning of human cells for therapeutic purposes. A statement from the Human Genetics Advisory Commission and Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA) have proposed the cell nucleus replacement technique for developing tissues, but could not be exploited for human reproduction (Mayor, 1998). Conclusion The pros and cons or controversies of human cloning is a continuous process. It is the need of time to give a thought for the promotion of human cloning only for therapeutic means and not for fun or for reproductive processes. Promoting human cloning for creating replicas would aid in financial, ethical and social burden on the planet, but if the technology is used for therapeutic purposes, it is going to relieve the sufferings of ailing individuals and thereby reducing financial burden, treatment cost and other associated miseries. It is therefore essential to utilize the technology only for therapeutics and not for generating replicas. Human cloning embraces a futuristic approach if it is handled with precision and care. References 1. Disadvantages of cloning. Available at http://library.thinkquest.org/C0122429/ethics/disadvantages.htm. [Accessed on 10th November 2011]. 2. Ethical Dilemmas of Cloning. Available at http://ivythesis.typepad.com/term_paper_topics/2009/04/ethical-dilemmas-of-cloning.html [Accessed on 10th November 2011]. 3. Human Cloning. Available at http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/h/human_cloning.htm. [Accessed on 10th November 2011]. 4. Human Genome Project Information. Available at http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/home.shtml. [Accessed on 10th November 2011]. 5. Mayor, S. (1998). UK Authorities Recommend Human Cloning for Therapeutic Research. British Medical Journal. 317, 1613. 6. Savulescu, J. (1999). Should We Clone Human Beings? Cloning as a Source of Tissue for Transplantation. Journal of Medical Ethics. 25(2), 87-95. 7. Smith, S. The Benefits of Human Cloning. Available at http://www.humancloning.org/benefits.php. [Accessed on 10th November 2011]. Read More