Cons of Human Cloning for Reproductive Cloning, Research Paper Example

Cloning has been found to have many potential benefits from a reproductive perspective. While the advantages are numerous, it is also important to take into consideration the underlying cons of employing this kind of reproduction on a grand scale.

Potential Threats

Cloning mainly involves genetically engineering the process of inception, birth and early childhood development. This process of genetic engineering allows for scientists to select, alter or enhance specific traits as desired, in order to produce a perfect subject as per the requirements. This kind of technology and science has the potential of being used to enhance individuals, creating super soldiers (Beyleveld & Brownsword, 2014). This is one of the many potential dangerous applications of genetic engineering.

Human Beings as Objects

Human beings have long being perceived themselves as a unique creatures whose value lies beyond the physical. Cloning for reproductive purposes may generate and perpetuate the notion that human beings are objects with specific characteristics that can be created, developed and manipulated (Vöneky & Rüdiger, 2013).

Individuality and Freedom

While clones could potentially hold the key to a more superior race, they may also experience considerable problems within society. Owing to the nature of their inception and development, clones may potentially face stigma and devaluation when they are compared to non-clone human beings.

Psychological and Social Development

Clones, in their childhood, would agreeably live under the scrutiny of their nuclear donor. This kind of scrutiny far exceeds that experienced with naturally born babies and their parents. This is largely owing to the perceptions society would have (Morrison & Furlong, 2014). Therefore cloned children may potentially face numerous barriers to effective psychological and social development.

In conclusion, while cloning holds numerous benefits, the underlying risks cannot be ignored. This science and technology has numerous dangerous applications that cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, a cloned human beings may face considerable challenges in their growth and development, potentially developing an alternate, competing and superior human sub-race.

References

Beyleveld, B., & Brownsword, R. (2014). Human dignity in bioethics and biolaw. New York: Oxford University Press.

Morrison, E. E., & Furlong, B. (2014). Health Care Ethics: Critical Issues for the 21st Century (3rd ed.). Burlington, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

Vöneky, S., & Rüdiger, W. (2013). Human dignity and human cloning. Springer.