The Cloning Controversy

The world was stunned in February with the announcement that an adult mammal had produced an offspring without an egg being fertilized by a sperm. The“Dolly” story ignited a global media storm, in large part becauseof its chilling implication that human cloning was possible. There was deep disagreement, however, over the ethics of cloning humans. Opponents called for a ban on human cloning research, arguing that cloning offers few benefits to science while requiring unacceptable risks and undermining our very concept of humanness. But many scientists argued that cloning research could open the door to better understanding of how cells work and thus help battle cancer and other diseases. Others said its benefits could range from duplicating embryos for in vitro fertilization to replacing a dying child.