"Should human cloning be legal?"

Authors Avatar

“Should human cloning be legal?”

 Today, the topic of cloning creates more argument than it has ever created before. The argument over cloning is based upon the fact that there are extreme opposing viewpoints on the subject. One of the major arguments offered against human cloning is that it will undermine human individuality. However, despite the popular opposition to human cloning, it is likely to remain an issue.

Cloning is reproduction involving only one parent. Cloning occurs when a single cell from the parent organism begins to divide and develop in such a way that a new organism is produced. This new organism has exactly the same genetic make-up as its parent and is usually physically identical to its parent. In sexual reproduction, two parents are involved. Each contributes a sex cell or gamete. When these gametes join, the new organism begins to develop. A sexually produced organism will have a genetic make-up that is a combination of both of the parents. Physically it will display a variety of features, some inherited from each parent.

Join now!

Supporters of human cloning are not concerned that a cloned human being would be genetically identical to the person from whom he or she was cloned. However, human cloning will undermine human individuality. One of the key features of each human being is that they represent a combination of genotype and interaction with the environment, which is unique. Uniqueness is a major factor of our humanity. It is claimed that even `identical twins', are not completely genetically similar. It has been suggested that undermining the individuality or uniqueness of each human being may undermine respect for human life. This is ...

This is a preview of the whole essay