Another medical reason for cloning is that it is developing “genetic techniques” for the development of animal organs which can then be transplanted into humans (xenotransplantation) in response to the ever growing organ market. In 2002 PPL Therapeutics managed to isolate a gene which was preventing pig organs being used in humans by cloning five piglets [3].
The continued study of animal clone cells could, according to scientists, lead to a greater comprehension of the development of the embryo in young as well as the mysteries of age-related diseases.
On a more conservational level cloning animals may be able to ensure the continuation of endangered species or rare breeds of certain animals.
Against
Mostly those who are against animal cloning do not doubt its scientific merit but are incredibly concerned at where the technology is heading. It is argued that animal cloning inevitably leads to human cloning.
The cloning of humans brings up many ethical issues, Christian doctrines explain that human life is sacred [4] and a gift from God therefore cloning would be classified as “playing God”. With cloning not 100% successful (albeit nothing is) non-religious opposition argues that a human clone could be biologically damaged and thus unhealthy. Human cloning is in fact banned within the United Kingdom and the European Union community.
Animal cloning itself raises various ethical and moral dilemmas. Opposes argue that over 95% of cloning attempts fail with animals having to suffer physical and psychological impairment during scientific trailing [5].
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to say that “Large Offspring Syndrome” affects 50% of all clones but only 6% of “conventional” births [5].
The American Anti-Vivisection Society [6] argues that animal cloning is a “trip into the unknown” and that no one can see the potential scientific risks involved; they are also very concerned that a number of diseases could be potentially crossed into the human environment if cloned animals were eaten or their by-products. Despite this in December 2006 [6], the FDA concluded that milk and meat from cloned animals should be safe to consume, activist groups negate this claim.
References
[1]
Dictionary entry for “cloning”
[2]
Research and Development Statistics
[3]
New Scientist
[4] See Genesis 1:27; Deuteronomy 18:10; Psalm 139:13-16; Mark 10:13-16
New International Version Bible
[5]
End Animal Cloning
[6]
American Anti-Vivisection Society
