Effects of Cloning Technology
Introduction
Since the cloned-sheep Dolly came as one of science’s major breakthroughs, several debates and issues had been raised in relation to the continuous development of cloning technology. Indeed, several contradicting opinions have highlighted the good and bad side of pursuing this scientific discovery. While science and medicine support this technology, an opposing group claims that applying cloning technology, particularly among humans, is unethical. This paper will then attempt to discuss cloning effects and its long term effects should science continue to develop it.
Uses and Effects
As this technology was first used in animals, it is apparent that cloning will have a strong impact to the field of biology. Among endangered animals for example, such technology can then be used to preserved animal life. In the field of medicine, cloning technology would greatly improve available health care and pharmaceutical products; this would enable doctors and researchers to investigate on incurable genetic diseases and perhaps develop a cure for them by understanding the mechanisms of these disorders. Cures for other debilitating or fatal diseases such as emphysema, cystic fibrosis, anemia and cancer may also be developed through this scientific breakthrough. Burn victims may also benefit from this technology as doctors can regenerate and repair burned tissues through cloning. Finding organs for transplants may also be made easier by cloning; furthermore, as the organ to be cloned will be derived from the patient, organ rejections and other complexities will be prevented (1998).
From these cited probable uses of cloning technology, it is clear that its development and utilization in the future can lead to several improvements. Perhaps one of the important long term effects of this innovation is that it could help save human lives, particularly patients who are suffering from incurable health conditions. Newborns that have been infected by hereditary diseases may have better and healthier adult lives through the cloning technology. Animals that are useful to the ecosystem or to the agricultural sector may be saved from extinction by means of cloning as well. The manner to which medical procedures are done may also be enhanced with this technology.
Issues
While these developments may be the possible effect of cloning in the future, there are also analysts who claim otherwise. Specifically, in relation to human cloning, a number of opposing claims had been raised against this technology. At present, contradicting analysts believe that cloning is dangerous as it would remove the psychological and biological benefits of natural reproduction (1998). In one study, the survey results revealed that majority of the respondents, especially those in the religious sector, strongly opposed cloning; the respondents claim that such technology is a derogation of dignity, an unnatural process and too risky (2005).
As it is currently a controversial scientific issue, this technology would likely affect the religious and political sector in the long run. With the negative views towards cloning, the formal introduction and use of this technology will intensify debates and argumentative points related to it. Moreover, groups and religious organization that are strongly against it will become more active in preventing its use on humans. In terms of the political sector, with the rising disagreements brought about by technology, governments are likely to develop relevant regulations to control its use. Governments all over the world would probably collaborate on what standard laws should be applied with regards to cloning. Medical and scientific researches that are related to cloning technology are then likely to encounter strict regulatory measures and even denouncement from the people; with this possible effect, it is then possible that cloning technology will take a long time to progress and acquire full public acceptance.
Conclusion
Cloning technology at present is still at the early stages of development. With continuous research, this technology will greatly improve both biological and medical processes. People will particularly benefit from this innovation as it can discover new cures and more effective means of saving lives. While these may be true, human cloning is still a highly debatable topic. Several still do not accept this development and consider it immoral. In this case, the good and bad effects of cloning should then be weighed. Probably, the best thing to resolve this issue is to come up with strong evidences to support each other’s claims; through this, misconceived effects of this technology will not spread.
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