Cloning ethics: The tricky balance between saving and creating lives

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• August 25, 2022

Insight summary

Cloning is now a real option in medicine, especially for curing diseases and creating organs, but it raises serious ethical questions. There is a pressing need for discussions involving scientists, ethicists, and the public to define what is acceptable in cloning research. The future of cloning will likely see evolving regulations, increased ethical consultations, and debates about its role in society, from organ transplants to the concept of designer babies.

Cloning ethics context

Cloning, once a concept in science fiction, is now emerging as a practical approach with significant potential in medical science, particularly in curing genetic diseases and providing healthy organs. The 2021 creation of human-monkey cell mixed embryos is a prime example of this advancement. This experiment, primarily aimed at developing new methods for organ transplantation, has sparked a broad spectrum of concerns. According to Kirstin Matthews from Rice University's Baker Institute, the fundamental question revolves around the necessity and purpose of such experiments, highlighting a gap in public understanding and consultation regarding these advanced scientific endeavors.

The debate around this scientific breakthrough is not solely focused on its technical feasibility but also on its ethical implications. Proponents like Insoo Hyun from Case Western Reserve University and Harvard University believe that this research could be a beacon of hope for thousands awaiting organ transplants, potentially saving many lives. On the contrary, the lack of clear guidelines and public discourse on the ethical boundaries of such experiments poses a significant challenge. 

Looking forward, it is imperative that a comprehensive dialogue takes place, involving not only scientists and ethicists but also the general public. This conversation should aim to establish a consensus on what is permissible in cloning research, taking into account both the potential benefits and ethical dilemmas. It is crucial for every stakeholder to stay informed and engaged in this evolving field, ensuring that the development and application of such technologies are guided by a combination of scientific insight and moral responsibility. 

Disruptive impact

When it comes to cloning, several ethical issues need to be considered. Cloning could lead to the creation of chimeras, creatures with genetic material from two different species. Chimeras raise ethical concerns because they could have characteristics of both humans and animals, and it is unclear what the moral and legal status of such creatures would be. There are already unconventional breeding, such as ligers (lions bred with tigers), which result in health issues and low life expectancy. Additionally, cloning can be used to create animals that are genetically identical to other animals, which could lead to the exploitation and mistreatment of animals. Cloning also raises issues of informed consent, as the clones would have no say in their creation.

Another issue is the use of cloning for therapeutic purposes. While stem cells extracted from cloned embryos can potentially treat various diseases, there are concerns about the morality of using cloned embryos for this purpose. With alternatives such as induced pluripotent stem cells (cells that can self-renew) available, it’s unclear why cloning animals or humans are urgently needed at this point.

Finally, there is the question of eugenics and designer babies. Is there a compelling reason to value certain types of cells over others when they are all equally healthy? Are parents who invest in engineering children for high-value purposes—e.g., selected aesthetic characteristics, enhanced health, superior mental and physical abilities—considered cheating, fraudulent, or unethical? What are the implications of having to “re-do” a cloning project when the cells fail to produce the desired result? 

Implications of cloning ethics 

Wider implications of cloning ethics may include: 

• Bioethicists, or professionals who analyze medical decisions based on ethical, social, and moral grounds, being increasingly recruited to consult on cloning research and pilot tests.
• Increasing awareness and demand for designer babies, with parents willing to pay a premium for certain characteristics/features. 
• Governments collaborating with research institutions and healthcare providers to create regulations and policies on cloning practices.
• Existing legislation needing to be updated to include and protect the rights of cloned people and animals. New legislation will also have to be crafted to outline how cloned people with superior attributes can participate in society; e.g., will engineered children with superior athletic ability be allowed to participate in sports and other competitions?
• Civil rights groups pushing back against cloning as the practice could promote inequality and discrimination against people with (and even without) disabilities.
• Increased research on how cloning can fast-track organ production for transplants.

Questions to consider

• What are other considerations to highlight when discussing the ethical implications of cloning?
• How might governments oversee cloning research to ensure that it remains ethical?