Cloning |
Pros and cons
With so many advancements in medical science, cloning looks like something that could be part of our near future. However, is it really an option that should be considered as a way to extend human life? Is cloning really worth the risk? The cloning of both human and animals has always been a topic that sparked of considerable debate. Many question the role of God in society, and the quality of life a clone would have. On the other hand, it is also quite apparent that cloning could lead to faster medical cures and even longer life spans.
Pros
1. Infertility could be resolved
Though there are many infertility treatments today which are some what successful, cloning could create the opportunity for an infertile couple to experience the joys of having a family, without having to endure the painful infertility procedures which are common in practice today.
2. Organ Replacement
Many believe that cloning can be used to recreate and replace failing organs. Organ transplants are difficult undertakings for two reasons. Firstly, it is difficult to find a donor, and secondly, there is no guarantee that the body will accept the new organ. Thus, cloning organs is beneficial as not only will it eliminate the risky odds of undergoing the operation, this will also undeniably shorten the waiting list for organ donations, allow more people to be saved and ensure that the body accepts the new organ.
3. Saves endangered species
Endangered animals can be cloned to save the species. Today, medical science is so advanced, we have the power to prevent certain species from disappearing from the face of the earth. Cloning can also bring about the recreation of an extinct species, allowing scientist to fully study a species, instead of simply looking at pictures or bones.
Cons:
1. Man “playing God”
Some feel that cloning is against God’s will, because the clones would then be a product of mankind. Man would be creating people who may be unable to feel or empathise. It is also believed that these clones are created without souls.
2. Increased Malpractice
Along with the ability to clone desired traits of a person, there is also a possibility of people deliberately reproducing undesired traits, leading to a rise of malpractice in society.
3. There will be little sense of individuality
Cloning brings about the possibility of humans becoming more of a commodity than an individual. People are then treated like goods and items. If you do not like the child you’ve got, then just clone another one and make it perfect, the way you want it. This could result in segregation in society, where perfected clones are treated better than naturally made humans.
In conclusion, cloning is a double-edged sword. Used wisely, it can bring about positive change. For example, cloning is used in breeding orchids, allowing horticulturists to multiply species of orchids rapidly. On the other hand, the ethical lines are blurred when it comes to cloning humans or endangered species.
Pros
1. Infertility could be resolved
Though there are many infertility treatments today which are some what successful, cloning could create the opportunity for an infertile couple to experience the joys of having a family, without having to endure the painful infertility procedures which are common in practice today.
2. Organ Replacement
Many believe that cloning can be used to recreate and replace failing organs. Organ transplants are difficult undertakings for two reasons. Firstly, it is difficult to find a donor, and secondly, there is no guarantee that the body will accept the new organ. Thus, cloning organs is beneficial as not only will it eliminate the risky odds of undergoing the operation, this will also undeniably shorten the waiting list for organ donations, allow more people to be saved and ensure that the body accepts the new organ.
3. Saves endangered species
Endangered animals can be cloned to save the species. Today, medical science is so advanced, we have the power to prevent certain species from disappearing from the face of the earth. Cloning can also bring about the recreation of an extinct species, allowing scientist to fully study a species, instead of simply looking at pictures or bones.
Cons:
1. Man “playing God”
Some feel that cloning is against God’s will, because the clones would then be a product of mankind. Man would be creating people who may be unable to feel or empathise. It is also believed that these clones are created without souls.
2. Increased Malpractice
Along with the ability to clone desired traits of a person, there is also a possibility of people deliberately reproducing undesired traits, leading to a rise of malpractice in society.
3. There will be little sense of individuality
Cloning brings about the possibility of humans becoming more of a commodity than an individual. People are then treated like goods and items. If you do not like the child you’ve got, then just clone another one and make it perfect, the way you want it. This could result in segregation in society, where perfected clones are treated better than naturally made humans.
In conclusion, cloning is a double-edged sword. Used wisely, it can bring about positive change. For example, cloning is used in breeding orchids, allowing horticulturists to multiply species of orchids rapidly. On the other hand, the ethical lines are blurred when it comes to cloning humans or endangered species.
Here is a YouTube video explaining about human cloning:
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