Cloning

Cloning

To recognize the controversy behind the ethics of stem cell research, understanding the mechanics of cloning is imperative.   The term cloning simply means to duplicate genetic material.   The process of how this genetic material is reproduced is where the controversy begins.   First an embryo is taken from a donor.   An embryo is a fertilized egg that has begun cell division (definition).   Keep in mind that every cell in our body has the same DNA. The way this DNA is used makes each cell unique.   Inside the embryo is where a cell divides and produces copies of itself.   Whatever genetic material (DNA) is put inside this embryo will be cloned.   In this process, these copies of DNA are called stem cells. After these copies are formed, the stem cells are removed from the embryo to be manipulated to be used as the scientist pleases. This gives us the ability to one day produce copies of anything in the human body when the DNA is controlled specifically for the one thing wanted to be produced.   In this paper, I will be discussing the issues against cloning and counter arguing any negative ideas against this.
Once the procedure is understood, ethical concerns do come into play with embryonic stem cells.   When the stem cells are removed from the embryo, the embryo is killed.   Where it become an ethical issue is because the purpose in creating this new life is not for it to grow and survive, but to destroy and use it scientifically.   There is no difference from the looks of an embryo designed for stem cells to an embryo that will become a baby.   By the time the stem cells are ready to be removed from the embryo, it is at the same stage as a pregnancy of 14 days.   The difference is that this new life would be incredibly difficult to produce a baby without the nutrients the mother’s body is able to give.   This whole controversy is basically a glorified abortion issue.   Is it right to create life just to kill it?   This would be the case for any therapeutic cloning. The end...