Читать книгу The SAGE Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research - Группа авторов - Страница 100

Many ethical issues exist in reference to both actual and potential usage of cloning technology with animals today, covering controversial issues such as the well-being of the animals and their progeny, the usage of cloning in preserving or reviving endangered and extinct species, and, as a commercial offshoot of these practices, actions such as the cloning of deceased favorite pet animals. Many are concerned about cloning pets, for example, because pet owners may expect their cloned pet to be a perfect copy of the progenitor or parent pet, which is not the case. In addition, cloned animals are known to suffer distinct health issues. Many of these issues overlap with the possibility of animal cloning crossing the frontier into cloning of humans.

Many argue that the benefits are greater than the unfavorable issues associated with the cloning procedure. Others oppose it because of the novelty, uncertainties, and the ethical risks involved. Those who oppose or remain wary of cloning warn of the possibility of unwitting transmission of trans-species pathologies. Still others are concerned that a scientist may attempt to proceed beyond animal cloning for currently accepted purposes and create a human being. The development of animal cloning then, has sparked a scientific controversy among those who hope to find a cure for diseases, better food quality, and a greater supply of food on one hand, and ethical and religious opposition—or those who prefer to err on the side of caution—on the other.

To date, however, no human being has yet been cloned successfully. Still, the possibility of this event is a cause for trepidation not only for policymakers and the public at large, but also for the majority of ethical scientists. Nevertheless, most scientists are firmly opposed to reproductive human cloning. Animal cloning advocates argue that with responsible policies, risk assessments, government and institutional oversight, and conscientious monitoring in place, cloning technologies can be performed ethically and appropriately in sustainable ways.

In order to be medically and commercially applicable, advances in biotechnology require not only an understanding of scientific knowledge, but also of policy-related and ethical implications. In this regard, legislative and funding imperatives—as well as conflicts of interest—need to be addressed. Considerations for the future should include a formal distinction between therapeutic and reproductive cloning and their risks in policy-making and legislative formulations. Cloning has opened many doors that lead to remarkable medical advancements but, as with all new technologies, it raises many ethical and social dilemmas.

Trudy M. Mercadal

Florida Atlantic University

See Also: Cloning, Ethics of; Embryonic Stem Cells, Methods to Produce; Gene Patents; Genome Sequencing.