Human cloning - Research Paper Example

"Human Cloning" 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. 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. 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. 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).

As every technology comes with enormous pros and cons so do cloning. The moral predicament of human cloning lies on the argument to promote or to impede cloning. Cloning is a kind of asexual reproduction, it therefore reduces the sense of distinctiveness of a character and there lacking uniqueness and freedom. Morally it is not supported as the opponents 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. It is a burden on the planet, on resources and on the surviving living inhabitants. 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. Conclusion The pros and cons 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 then 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. References Ethical Dilemmas of Cloning. Available at http://ivythesis.typepad.

com/term_paper_topics/2009/04/ethical-dilemmas-of-cloning.html [Accessed on 21st February 2011]. Smith, S. The Benefits of Human Cloning. Available at http://www.humancloning.org/benefits.php. [Accessed on 21st February 2011].