Cloning Human Beings
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Human Cloning
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Human cloning, in simplest terms, is the creation of an identical copy of a human. The two common types of human cloning include therapeutic cloning and reproductive cloning. The idea of cloning dates back to the 1960's and became a possible reality with the creation of a cloned sheep, Dolly, by Scottish scientists in 1997. Although not human cloning, worldwide interest was peaked. Significant debate exists in regard to the ethics of human cloning.
History
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Nobel Prize winner and geneticist, Joshua Lederberg, spoke about and promoted cloning and genetic exploration in an article in the American Naturalist in 1966. Human cloning then gained more momentum and interest through Hollywood in the 1970's. However, the real possibility of human cloning was realized in 1997 when Scottish scientists at Roslin Institute cloned a sheep named Dolly.
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Reproductive Cloning
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There are two types of human cloning--reproductive and therapeutic cloning. Reproductive cloning is a process by which scientists take genetic material from an adult cell and transfers it into an egg that has had its genetic material removed. That egg is then transferred to the uterus of a female until birth. Dolly is not an identical clone--however the sheep's DNA matches the donor sheep.
Theraputic Cloning
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Therapeutic cloning is the process of creating a human embryo for research. The stem cells produced by the embryo are used to develop replacement tissue and research cures and treatment for disease. Scientists hope that this technology can be used to replace skin for burn victims or create an organ for organ transplant patients. The process of extracting stem cells destroys the embryo, which is the source of much controversy over human cloning.
Controversy
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Supporters of human cloning say it provides the possibility of curing disease and replacing vital organs to patients who may not get an organ transplant they need. Still others say it is a matter of religious and moral standards. Opponents say cloning humans is like 'playing God.' The success of cloning animals resulted in some healthy animals but also some animals with severe birth defects.
Legislators do not want to ban human cloning, because of the potential benefits of therapeutic cloning. However, opponents argue the practice kills viable life by destroying embryos.
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