Human Cloning
By many accounts, Ann and Drew Sophila were the happiest married couple in history. When they met there was no question that each had found their partner for life. Their happiness was only compounded by the birth of their son Junior. In Junior, the Sophilas saw a combination of the very best parts of each other. They cherished every moment they had together and reveled in watching Junior grow with each passing day.
Sadly, the Sophilas’ happiness ended tragically while on holiday at the ocean. During a picnic on a chartered boat away from the crowds, a terrible boating accident claimed the lives of both Drew and Junior. Ann survived, but was absolutely devastated by the loss of her precious son and loving husband.
Stricken with grief and unable to move on, Ann knew she would never feel “normal” again without a child to raise and love. Ann could not bear the thought of having a
child that was not Drew’s, however. A local biotech company had been advertising
breakthrough advances in cloning technology that enabled them to clone organisms from very small samples of DNA. According to the company, a small sample of bodily fluid, tissue, or hair from an organism yielded enough DNA to successfully produce a clone. This gave Ann a wonderful idea.
She rummaged through the house until she found Junior’s hair brush. Trapped in the bristles was enough of Junior’s hair to produce a clone. A clone produced in this manner would not only bring a child, but a child with a biological connection to her dear late husband back into Ann’s life. Ann contacted the biotech company immediately and was informed about an important process they must go through before they can begin.
In an effort to regulate human cloning, the federal government has set up a new Human Cloning Ethics Committee to oversee all cloning practices. The Human Cloning Ethics Committee consists of a research scientist, a doctor, the president of a biotech company, a psychologist, a member of the clergy, and a member of the community. Biotech companies must receive approval from the Committee before they begin any cloning projects. Ann’s request is the first of this type the Committee has considered.
TASK
Is this a case where human cloning should be allowed? Each person in your group will select one of the individuals below. Research the information from the standpoint of the individual. Consider this question from their viewpoints. Once finished, come back together as a group and discuss your viewpoint.
1) A research scientist
2) A doctor
3) The president of a biotechnology company
4) A psychologist
5) A member of the clergy
6) A community member
Sadly, the Sophilas’ happiness ended tragically while on holiday at the ocean. During a picnic on a chartered boat away from the crowds, a terrible boating accident claimed the lives of both Drew and Junior. Ann survived, but was absolutely devastated by the loss of her precious son and loving husband.
Stricken with grief and unable to move on, Ann knew she would never feel “normal” again without a child to raise and love. Ann could not bear the thought of having a
child that was not Drew’s, however. A local biotech company had been advertising
breakthrough advances in cloning technology that enabled them to clone organisms from very small samples of DNA. According to the company, a small sample of bodily fluid, tissue, or hair from an organism yielded enough DNA to successfully produce a clone. This gave Ann a wonderful idea.
She rummaged through the house until she found Junior’s hair brush. Trapped in the bristles was enough of Junior’s hair to produce a clone. A clone produced in this manner would not only bring a child, but a child with a biological connection to her dear late husband back into Ann’s life. Ann contacted the biotech company immediately and was informed about an important process they must go through before they can begin.
In an effort to regulate human cloning, the federal government has set up a new Human Cloning Ethics Committee to oversee all cloning practices. The Human Cloning Ethics Committee consists of a research scientist, a doctor, the president of a biotech company, a psychologist, a member of the clergy, and a member of the community. Biotech companies must receive approval from the Committee before they begin any cloning projects. Ann’s request is the first of this type the Committee has considered.
TASK
Is this a case where human cloning should be allowed? Each person in your group will select one of the individuals below. Research the information from the standpoint of the individual. Consider this question from their viewpoints. Once finished, come back together as a group and discuss your viewpoint.
1) A research scientist
2) A doctor
3) The president of a biotechnology company
4) A psychologist
5) A member of the clergy
6) A community member
