Human Cloning

In the play "A Number" controversy on human cloning seems to be the main issue, specifically between Bernard 1 and Bernard 2. According to Science Daily, human cloning is the "creation of a genetically identical copy of an existing, or previously existing, human being or growing cloned tissue from that individual."(Science Daily, 2018). Since this play is set in a more futuristic realm, the science behind of human cloning is more full-proof and legal.

When cloning artificially there are several possible routes in order to complete the procedure according to the National Human Genome Research Institute. The first being gene cloning, which creates copies of segmented DNA or genes (NIH, 2017). The second being reproductive cloning, which clones the entire human. Lastly therapeutic cloning uses stems cells in order to stimulate embryonic cells which can help replace diseased cells(NIH, 2017). Due to legal implications, laboratory testing for human clones is quite difficult. Although in South Korea in the late 1990's Scientist were able to successfully clone a human embryo(NIH, 2017). Later on in 2002, a religious group called Clonaid who believed that humans were created by extra terrestrials, held a news conferences. They announced that they have successfully cloned a human named "Eve".

Although after multiple request from researches, this religious group was not able to provide proper scientific evidence to back up their statement. Human cloning is very difficult, mainly due to the cell division process according to National Human Genome Research Institute. Its not possible to recreate the same exact clone when conducting this procedure (TGC, 2013). Another known way to clone a human is called Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer. Cloning and sexual reproduction are similar in the fact that they both result in producing an embryo that contains "genetic material for two individuals.

This play is set in a time were human cloning is conducted with no error. The reality is that in today's day and age that is highly mistaken. Error occurs all the time, as technology has not yet reached the certainty of human cloning. One of the main reasons is the interaction between sperm and egg(TGC,2013).

These errors can lead to cancer as the defects prompt them to occur, according to The Gospel Coalition. One of the uses humans have for cloning is to treat diseases, but cells from the clone that are injected back into the donor are rejected. This is due to the incompatibility of the cloned cells being immature when interacting with the donor cells. Another reason to clone humans is simply off the basis of research. Scientist are able to explore all options when using a human clone. Although curing diseases may be difficult due to the incompatibility, the use organ donors can play a large role hospitalized patients seeking a replacement organ.

Besides the use of organ donors, human cloning can provide several other uses. For couples that are infertile, human cloning can provide an alternative to have children(theNextGalaxy, 2015). For parents that have lost a loved one, specifically a child, they would be able to bring back a similar replica. By cloning oneself, you are able to prolong your life, since you can pass off your genes to the next generation and continue to live on(theNextGalaxy, 2015). Lastly the ability to use the clones for research may lead to cure of diseases that scientist were not able to conduct on regular humans (theNetGalaxy, 2015).

With human cloning having a multi purpose use, there are some disadvantages to this practice. As stated before the success rate is very low. Since the procedure creates a new human, the chances of new diseases arising are high(theNextGalaxy, 2015). Human life is devalued if human cloning is made possible. The narrative that you have one life to live is now thrown out the window with human cloning. Lastly this can create segregation between those who have been cloned and humans that have not. This can create a lot of controversy since many would believe that those who have been clone are not human(theNextGalaxy, 2015). Considering the racial matter going on around the world one can only imagine what heartache clones would go through.

Discussions on whether or not human cloning is ethical or unethical still linger. In my opinion, the use of human clones is not ethical. Human cloning is an alternative to producing an offspring. Humans would use them as means to an end which is very inhumane considering they should be viewed as humans.

References

NIH. Cloning Facts. 2017, www.genome.gov/25020028/cloning-fact-sheet/. Accessed 9 June 2018.

TGC. 9 things you should know about human cloning. 2013, www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-you-should-know-about-human-cloning/. Accessed 9 June 2018.

theNextGalaxy. 2015, thenextgalaxy.com/12-disadvantages-and-advantages-of-human-cloning/. Accessed 9 June 2018.

Picture Reference

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