Should Cloning be legalized?
Cloning is a controversial issue of present era. There are various reasons and facts produced by those in favours and against the issue of cloning. Cloning is the process which results in producing genetically similar breeds. So far, cloning has been successfully done in sheep and pig. Human cloning is banned in most parts of the world.
Cloning is widely of two types: therapeutic and reproductive. Therapeutic cloning is developing cloned cells from an adult that are used in medicinal procedures. The process generally involves research and modifications in stem cells of the body. Reproductive Cloning involves the interference with germ cells of the body and would result in producing human clones. Therapeutic cloning is a widely researched field of the modern medicine. While, reproductive cloning is banned legally. A third theoretical type of cloning is also explained in texts, known as replacement cloning. This is a combination of both therapeutic and reproductive cloning and would result in regeneration of a failed or destroyed organ of the body by doing partial or whole brain transplant.
Therapeutic cloning is the main field of research in modern medical era. It will help in regeneration of tissues and organs for transplantation. Revolutionary results can be obtained in treatment of various chronic ailments like carcinoma, heart disease, diabetes etc. Advancements in burns treatment and cosmetic reconstructive surgery are also predicted by cloning techniques. Reproductive Cloning is also supported by a section of scientists and society citing various reasons like a chance for infertile couples to have their child and several other examples.
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Cloning can however be defined as the most advanced techniques exhibited by the medical science in present times. It can be explained as the highest research techniques that are taking place in modern medical world. The most revolutionary steps that cloning can bring in the lives of human beings is the cure of various otherwise lethal diseases like carcinomas, HIV, AIDS etc.
Human cloning is banned in all forms by various Governments across the world. USA, UK, Spain, Italy, Philippines have banned the human cloning in all forms. However, Australia has granted permission for therapeutic cloning in some parts of the country. Amidst all the political and religious moves, the big question is that whether cloning should be legalised or not?
Nature has its own ways of striking a balance between the various aspects of creation and destruction. Allowing cloning or not is more of an ethical issue than the scientific one. Some perceive it as an inference in normal life and death cycle. Besides, even if reproductive cloning is allowed it will be affordable by few wealthy hands only. This will widen the already existing gap between the different economic sections of the society. The riches will produce a whole line of cloned individuals and those who are really needy will be denied the medical facilities due to cost factor. And, in any case, death is imperative and will occur to everyone who is born.
But it has also to be kept in mind that by totally banning the process will also not solve the problem. Allowing therapeutic cloning for medicine purposes can help in fighting medical ailments and may shine as a ray of hope for those who are suffering from deadly diseases. Advancements and research often face rigid criticism in initial stages but it is confirmed that in the times to come cloning would bring dramatic and revolutionary results in human lives.