Genetic Modification of Humans

Genetic Modification of Humans

Introduction

With increased advance in technology, the idea of genetic modification of humans, also known as cloning human beings to provide spare parts is becoming part of life in the health sector. It is, however, essential noting that this topic has been controversial where some are for it whiles others is for it. Genetic modification of humans is a scientific process through which production of identical organisms from an adult host is made possible. The cloning process is of two types namely reproductive cloning and therapeutic cloning. The former involves creating an organism that resembles the source while the latter is used for many purpose including stem cell research, gene therapies and research into human development. The two types of cloning use the same methods of development with the difference being that reproductive cloning allows growth of an embryo in a living organism (Lauritzen, 2011). On the other hand, therapeutic cloning involves allowing somatic cells are growing and late extracting them for use in transplant cases.

Argument against

It is worth noting that scientists have failed to prove beyond reasonable doubts on the effectiveness of their technology and methods. Most of the cloned human beings have been witnessed to live for the only short while before succumbing to some mysterious deaths. It is therefore essential to conclude that genetic modification of human should not be allowed at any cost. Despite the tireless efforts euthanatize the cloning process, it is high time that we condemn the exercise with the strongest terms possible. For instance, the proponents of this technology have over the years hoped that the technology can be used to cure certain ailments. However, embryonic stem research has all these years not cured any of the proposed ailments. The proponents are only wishful that the technology has massive potential to fulfill this purpose. It is, however, essential to understand so far there is no proof of any medical breakthrough realized so far (Ardehali & Weissman, 2012). The only meaningful stem cell research was carried out in Seoul where a woman who was paralyzed for twenty years walked again after therapy with stem cells from umbilical cord samples. It is worth noting that this stem cell research did not involve any cloning. It is, therefore, wise noting that there is no sense in wasting time carrying out an exercise with doubtful outcomes

Additionally, reproductive cloning has been used to bring up children to infertile parents and bring happiness to the family and the society at large. Though the process may bring forth organism, the grave risks associated with cloned organisms is quite high and thus the happiness may be a short time.  The art of human cloning became popular after the Dolly sheep that was the first animal clone. However, from the Dolly’s cloning process, only 29 out of 277 embryos survived for more than six days (Lauritzen, 2011).  Natural births have a longer life as compared to clones thus making it non-consequential advocating for reproductive cloning. It is also not proved beyond reasonable doubts that cloned human beings would be free of any defects or problems.

It is wise understanding that even if the cloning process would be successful, there are chances that identity crisis would be eminent. Giving birth to a cloned child is a prerogative of the would-be parents and the clone himself does not make choices on whether or not to be a cloned being. In cases where the clone is born with defects from the cloning process, the parents will suffer from culpability for doing harm to the defective clone (Simon & Schenker, 2009). It is also the responsibility of the parents to ensure that they bring up children with desired characters and traits.  Cloned children could also lead a miserable life if they come to learn that they are clones rather than born naturally. Cloned children would suffer psychologically and physically if they come to discover that they were created to replace lost person or to donate organs for transplant. Such instances would bring about confusion and emotional damage to cloned humans.

It is also essential to put into consideration the different unethical aspects involved in the cloning process. Children manufacturing rather than procreation and the destruction of family ties are some of the unethical issues associated with the cloning process. Additionally, the process is very expensive in money and time as evident in the case of Dolly, and it would be of no essence in engaging in an exercise whose outcomes are not guaranteed (Ardehali & Weissman, 2012). It is on this note that we state that human cloning is ethically problematic where significant human rights infringement, medical safety, and identity crisis are evident to cloned human beings.

 

References

Ardehali, R., & Weissman, I. (2012). Prospective Isolation of Therapeutically Relevant Human Embryonic Stem Cell-derived Cardiovascular Progenitors. Q Science Proceedings, 2012(1), 33. doi:10.5339/qproc.2012.stem.1.33

Lauritzen, P. (2011). Cloning and the future of human embryo research. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

 
Do you need an Original High Quality Academic Custom Essay?