Is Cloning Animals Ethical?
Topic Overview
Fifteen years after the death of the first cloned mammal, Dolly the Sheep, Chinese scientists have cloned the first non-human primates. The discussion about the ethics of animal cloning has resurfaced, with the pros and cons being the subject of much debate among scientists and animal activists alike.
To define, cloning is the process of creating genetically identical copies of animals from somatic cells of the animal scientists wish to copy. Many feel it is 'unnatural' to interfere with a process that typically does not require human involvement. Religious groups have referred to cloning as 'playing God' while animal welfare activists believe cloning adds to the objectification and exploitation of animals for the purpose of human benefit.
Although researchers consider the cloning of animals a breakthrough in biomedicine and food production, the majority of the world is concerned with the ethics of it. This discussion will provide rationale for whether it is ethical to clone animals or not. The question being, is it ethical to due so just because the technology is available?
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