Moral Status of Cloning Humans - Book Report/Review Example

Michael Tooley’s article, “Moral Status of Cloning Humans”, argues in favor of human cloning. He s that it is not so important for individuals to hold unique genetic makeup as some would have us believe. He says that the idea or theory of genetic determinism is not correct, therefore, cloning to produce persons cannot be labeled intrinsically wrong. Tooley further asserts that not only is cloning not immoral, but it can help us improve our lives; psychology and other behavioral sciences would be helped by studying the cloned persons.

Moreover, lives can be saved through cloning as well, for instance, in cases where bone marrow transplant is required. One of the biggest charges leveled against cloning by its opponents is that it will give rise to a certain propensity on the part of the people to tailor their children, so to speak, in a manner they desire, ensuring that they have certain traits and do not possess others. I find Tooley’s reply to this very interesting: he says that if such a trend is wrong, then it would be wrong for parents everywhere not only to encourage their children from acquiring desirable habits, but also to forbid them from any habits that they might consider to be vices.

What is more, the society should not be engaging in it either, as it falls under the same principle of obstructing the free will of individuals. For anyone seeking to find an answer to the question of cloning, this is an excellent read.