Reproductive Cloning (Re: Latest twist in Dr. Antinori's story)

From: Edmund Grech (edmund@arclightentertainment.co.uk)
Date: Wed May 01 2002 - 03:31:22 MDT


Emlyn said:

> As much as I hate to do it, I must agree with the anti
reproductive-cloning
> camp. Cloning is still broken... don't try this at home kiddies!

Agreed, but I am interested in peoples' opinions on cloning. I for one
wholehartedly support cloning of additional organs grown for the purpose of
transplantation - it would end anti-regection drug dependancy, and save
hundreds of peoples lives, as well as remove the wait for donors.

However, cloning for the purpose of reproduction? Fanciful scenarios such as
'the lives and loves of Tieralla Rosa' by PF Hamilton aside, I fail to find
any social argument for allowing such proceedures for the average person.

Two exceptions I'll defer on:
1. When conciousness can be transferred.
eg I die, I'm backed up, pls someone clone me a new body.

This is far too distant to be especially concerned about now.

2. If the individual has an exceptionally high IQ has, and could, serve
humanity more.
eg Consider if we could have cloned Einstien, Planck, Mozart, any number of
history's recorded geniuses?

This is a forseeable benefit, as succesful cloning technology will present
itself long before genetic alteration to predispose such traits will.

What do people think? I'd be interested to hear other viewpoints on this.



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