Cloning

I was really upset that I had to miss the class discussion on cloning today since I had been thinking about it for two days. I originally thought I would be pro-cloning because I am facinated by how far science has come and I think it is miraculous that cloning is even a possibility. However, after weighing the pros and cons I am finding myself very against cloning.

Cloning could potentially allow for the creation of a super-race by copying the genetics of those who are healthy and intelligent. Burdens on the health care system would be diminished due to a decreased population of genetically predisposed persons. The downside is that less genetic diversity would exist, and a single virus could wipe out the entire population. Incest would be a big problem because reproduction would be coming from a small gene pool. Also, this is somewhat reminiscent of Hitler's mentality which could cause problems of genocide.

As in Never Let Me Go, cloning is useful when in comes to saving lives because their organs are perfect matches to the person they were cloned from. The idea of having the resources to extend ones own life is desireable, but there are obvious moral issues that come with that selfish thought. We see the humanity of the clones in the novel, and the realization that they are living, growing, learning, and developing their own sense of identy only to give the gift of life to someone else is sickening.

It seems the reason behind our interest in cloning is to prove human intelligence. we are having problems with overpopulation as it is, and I do not see the need to make copies of existing humans. Science seems to be serving as proof of our control over life, is our fear of death leading us down an immoral road?