Since Dolly was introduced last Spring, the world has been up in arms about the idea of cloning humans. The revelation that cloning animals was possible prompted President Bill Clinton to impose a temporary ban on the use of federal funds for research on human cloning in the United States, and he has urged other nations to do the same. So far, 19 other nations have signed an agreement to prohibit human cloning.

The issue again was thrust into the spotlight when earlier this month independent Chicago scientist Richard Seed vowed to clone a human within two years. A bill to ban cloning in Illinois has been introduced into the state Senate, and there is a similar bill in the House of Representatives.

With all the arguments and fear, it may have been overlooked that some good could possibly arise from human cloning in the future.

Advertisement

Opponents argue the issue of morality:People are born unique and should be allowed to continue to do so. Some experts say clones will be like twins, with similar physical features, but not with the same mentality.

Human cloning should not be conducted simply to create more people. The earth already has a population problem. But some researchers say it will be possible to clone headless bodies. These could be utilized for the many people awaiting organ transplants throughout the world.

If such an idea is possible, then it is possible to imagine the ability of cloning organs, limbs and blood to help those in need. Such bodies also could be used to further the research of cancer, AIDS, cystic fibrosis and the many other diseases that plague the world.

Some argue the right-to-life issue. If the cloning of organs is made possible, no lives will be taken, only saved.

Some argue the ethical issue:Man should not encroach upon Mother Nature’s turf. If we believe that, then the McCaughey’s septuplets in Iowa and all other babies born using fertility drugs or in vitro fertilization are immoral. Scientists celebrated the birth of the first test tube baby almost 20 years ago.

Others argue the inaccuracy of cloning. It took scientists 277 failed attempts before Dolly. Opponents fear deformed or retarded babies will be born after failed cloning experiments.

According to the March of Dimes, every three minutes a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States. In time, animal cloning will be perfected, and that information could be used to prevent birth defects in the future.

Advertisement*

The world has embraced the vast technological advances to date, including chemotherapy, radiology, transplants using animal organs and laser technologies.

Although the moral debate may never cease, much like that of abortion or capital punishment, the world should take the opportunity to further research such a topic before burying it under legislation brought about by fear.

Human cloning should not be left to run free, however. There is a need to closely monitor and regulate the actions of those conducting the research to prevent abuse of the technology. But allowing such research to occur under close scrutiny is far better than secret experiments by those not accountable for abusing the technology.

Cloning human beings simply to allow families to have children may not be a good idea, but the research and advancement that could be achieved through such a process might help the world.