Genes and Society

Supporting arguments

1. Argument:

Central to therapeutic cloning are the "master" cells that exist in a human embryo when it is just a few days old. These embryonic stem (ES) cells are capable of developing into almost any kind of tissue in the body, including nerves, muscle, blood and bone. If these cells can be directed in the lab to become selected types of tissue, they could be used to treat a host of degenerative diseases which at present are incurable. And producing the embryos through a cloning step similar to the one used to make Dolly would ensure the transplant tissue suffered no rejection problems - it would be a perfect match for the patient.

Source:

BBC NEWS, 2000. Experts Support Human Cloning. Online. UK: BBC. Available from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/881940.stm. [1 Apr 2010]

2. Argument:

Because of human cloning and its technology, the days of silicone breast implants and other cosmetic procedures that may cause immune disease should soon be over. With the new technology, instead of using materials foreign to the body for such procedures, doctors will be able to manufacture bone, fat, connective tissue, or cartilage that matches the patients’ tissues exactly. Anyone will able to have their appearance altered to their satisfaction without the leaking of silicone gel into their bodies or the other problems that occur with present day plastic surgery. Victims of terrible accidents that deform the face should now be able to have their features repaired with new, safer, technology. Limbs for amputees may be able to be regenerated.

Source:

HumanCloning.Org, 2009. The Benefits of Human Cloning. Online. Simon Smith: Human Cloning Foundation. Available from: http://www.humancloning.org/benefits.php. [1 Apr 2010].

3. Argument:

With human cloning, infertile couples would be able to have children. Despite getting a fair amount of publicity in the news current treatments for infertility, in terms of percentages,...