. Steve & Kimberly Arguments for human cloning debate, con side: Utilitarian Arguments 1. Large Failure Rate 2. Socially Complicated Relationship of Clone to "Parent" (if living) Relationship of Clone to Society (see "Sanctity of
Individual" below) 3. Ignores Other More Promising Solutions Ethical/Religious Arguments 1. Sanctity of Individual Risks to clones = clones are inherently weaker or
disadvantaged Social issues are too great to effectively overcome.
The status of a clone will inevitably be reduced. We are
a long way from being fully "used to" other far more
common differences (skin color, gender, etc), so the
potential for social complications resulting in a reduced
quality of life for the clone is significant. 2. Sanctity of Life A religious viewpoint: While much of life can be
described in purely physical terms, life is ultimately
rooted in a Divine will. Our ability to potentially
disrupt or interfere with natural processes doesn't
warrant doing so, since ultimately it is God who gives
and sustains life. Science, as a formal representation of human
curiosity, if not thoughtfully bound or limited, has the
same potential for harm and abuse any other human
activity does. We seldom argue the need to place limits
on many other human behaviors. A Few Other Arguments Presented During The
Debate: Prentice, David, Stem Cells and Cloning, 2003,
Benjamin Cummings. ..
Very large numbers of attempts, few successes.
Successes often display reduced fitness.
Relationship of Clone to Self: Self identity is
potentially compromised when you are derived fully from
another's pancreas or liver.
e.g. Gene Therapy, Adult Stem Cells, etc.
Cloning fosters utilitarian view of
individual…individuals are sanctioned either to
satisfy our need to accomplish ("We should because we
can."), or an arguably unhealthy desire to replace a lost
loved one.
Bypassing natural (to some "God-given")
processes represents a lack of reverence for the sanctity
of life.
No significant argument for proceeding with
human cloning can be put forward. The potential benefits
are minimal compared to the potential for problems.
Potential unseen benefits exist in other
biotechnology fields: gene therapy, adult stem cell
research, etc.
Resource:
Updated 4/28/03 by thatcher@sonoma.edu