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Feb 294 min read

Human Cloning: A Future or Failure?

Is the prospect of creating an exact clone of yourself thrilling or terrifying? Human cloning, while seemingly a concept of science fiction, is becoming a more tangible reality. Although, this raises this question: Are we travelling into a new frontier of science or are we trading ethical minefields in exchange for a life changing science?


Cloning has been proven possible, previously utilized for the reproductive cloning of farm animals, monkeys, and mice. This process, known as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), involves transferring the nucleus of a somatic cell into an enucleated egg, ultimately resulting in embryo formation. Dolly the sheep, cloned in 1996 through SCNT, was the first mammal successfully cloned, challenging the belief that adult mammals could not be cloned and opening new research avenues (Fridovich-Keil, 2008).


During SCNT, somatic cell nuclei are reprogrammed genetically within the egg, leading to the formation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and allowing the egg to develop into an embryo. Typically, ESCs come from early-stage embryos, necessitating their destruction and sparking ethical debates about their use in medicine. In 2001, President George W. Bush limited research funding for stem cells from human embryos, viewing it as a loss of potential life since he considered life a “sacred gift from our creator” (Park, 2012). Consequently, SCNT is seen as a preferable method for obtaining ESCs, as it avoids using human embryos. Additionally, somatic cells are more accessible, found in skin, blood, and other body parts, unlike embryonic stem cells, which are harder to obtain.


Contrarily, laboratory conditions must be meticulously controlled to successfully clone an organism. Unlike ESCs, which can differentiate into any cell type, somatic cells have limited potential due to their high specialisation. Successfully conducting SCNT requires extreme precision, skill, and advanced techniques. Additionally, compared to natural reproduction, there is an increased risk of abnormalities, mutations, and foetal death. While this process serves as a valuable tool for studying genetic disorders, exploiting a foetus for research is widely considered unethical. Furthermore, the success rate of SCNT varies with the specifics of the procedure; more research is needed to fully comprehend its implications.

Undoubtedly, a successful human clone would be a monumental triumph in the scientific world, granting huge advancements in research and medicine. For example, when an organ transplant takes place, there is a high chance that the donor organ will be rejected: the immune system detects the new organ as a foreign object, and ultimately begins to attack it (UVAHealth, n.d.). Replacing damaged organs with genetically identical material would significantly lower—if not eliminate—this risk. Depending on the duration of the cloning process, transplant waiting lists could be shortened, reducing the number of cases where urgency is the killer. Similarly, personalised treatments could be derived from cloned cells (specifically tailored to the person’s genetic makeup), lowering the risk of adverse reactions in patients. Further to the use of ESCs in the medical field: their ability to fulfill the role of any cell means that they are regularly used in regenerative medicine. The successful harvest of ESCs through SCNT means that diseased and damaged tissue can be efficiently and ethically replaced—providing new meaning for regenerative medicine. This is more beneficial to the use of stem cells, as cells derived from a separate individual pose a high risk of immune rejection; the identical genetic makeup of the material provides easy recovery and acceptance of new tissue.


Despite its significant potential benefits for medicine, the ethical concerns surrounding human cloning cannot be overlooked. The creation of a clone raises complex issues regarding identity, individuality, and self-perception, potentially leading to profound identity confusion for both the clone and the original individual. This confusion could deeply impact personal relationships, career paths, and overall well-being. The concept of 'ego death,' or the complete loss of subjective self-identity, becomes a real risk when individuals encounter clones sharing their physical appearance, traits, and interests, possibly necessitating extensive support for both parties to cope with such intense experiences. In extreme cases, the mere presence of a clone could cause distress, necessitating separation or continuous reassurance of each individual's uniqueness and purpose. Moreover, the ease of creating life artificially might lead to a devaluation of human life, equating it with that of animals, despite humans' presumed moral and intellectual superiority. This could undermine the value placed on human uniqueness and intellectual capacity. Thus, venturing into human cloning involves navigating significant psychological and emotional challenges, highlighting the need for careful consideration of its profound implications.


Human cloning is expected to alter the perspectives of directly involved patients, while also raising significant questions regarding public perception. The advent of human cloning is likely to initiate extensive debates, deeply influenced by diverse cultural, religious, and personal beliefs, particularly due to its ethical implications. The portrayal of cloning in various media forms, such as books, TV shows, and movies, plays a crucial role in shaping public views. Films like Michael Bay's 2005 action sci-fi, "The Island," which presents cloning in a negative light, can significantly impact societal attitudes, contributing to the complex discourse surrounding the ethics and acceptability of human cloning.


Human identity is heavily linked to the prefrontal cortex; although human cloning does not impair cognitive function, it inevitably affects the identity of all involved. Death traditionally means the end of all vital functions, but if someone loses their identity, can they truly be considered alive? This raises questions about the nature of existence: Can a person experience a form of death while still physically alive if they lose their unique personality, and is personality essential for a functional society? Ultimately, this leads to a critical inquiry: Are we prepared to explore these profound implications?


 

Rhianna Turville is a current Year 10 Student from Australia, driven by an interest in human biology and a love for writing. In her free time, she enjoys going out with friends, listening to music, and baking.

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