Cloning

Essay by PaperNerd ContributorCollege, Undergraduate November 2001

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A Cloning Abyss In today's hastily evolving, scientifically advanced world, the uncertainty of whether or not an innovative technique or method can be done can often shadow the more compelling question of should it be done? Never before in human existence has a species been capable of denouncing the genetic cards that they were dealt and opt for a more personally satisfying selection. Taking these abilities to another level, there is actually the potential of the human species dealing their own cards. Through revolutionary biotechnology, human cloning is no longer an unattainable element of science fiction; it is a reality. An analysis of the statements and feelings of two men: Robert Wachbroit, professor of Philosophy, and Charles Krauthammer M.D., two very separate perspectives will be covered on this hypersensitive subject matter.

An obvious hypothetical use for this newfound ability is the desire of biologically incapable adults to obtain a child with genetic similarities.

The word child is a term that is used loosely in this scenario. In actuality, the descendant would be more of a "delayed-twin" than an actual child (Wachbroit 794). Most agree that at the current moment, without additional extensive research, the possibilities and uncertainties of mutations are too real to risk the physical well being of the child. Overlooking this, the doubt is skewed more towards psychological health (794). The toll of the child knowing that he/she wasn't conceived in the same manner that the rest of the world had been for the last 300,000 years might be, to say the least overwhelming. Though a valid argument, supporters point out that banishment on these terms alone would also validate the banishment of in vitro fertilization and emerging genetic engineering (797).

Mr. Wachbroit also addresses the realistic possibility of a cloned child wronged "the right to an open...