What Is Human Cloning?

While human cloning may be an unfamiliar term to some people, it is gradually making its way into the view of mainstream America. Discover the definition, history, benefits and controversy of human cloning.

Definition of Human Cloning

• According to Section 302.1 of the Human Cloning Prohibition Act, human cloning is defined as "asexual reproduction, accomplished by introducing the nuclear material of a human somatic cell into a fertilized or unfertilized oocyte whose nucleus has been removed or inactivated to produce a living organism (at any stage of development) with a human or predominantly human genetic constitution."

Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2009

• According to the Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2009, which was amended on January 6, 2009, cloning is unlawful, unethical and immoral. This decision was made based on 14 findings that were presented to Congress by Mr. Jeff Fortenberry, a federal representative from Nebraska. Human cloning has been banned in 23 countries including Canada, France and Germany. Another moral finding concerns the increased risk of children being born severely disabled. Cloning the deceased would not require their legal consent, which religious authorities believe to be an ultimate dishonor to human life and procreation.

The History of Cloning

• During the 20th century there were several major human genetic advancements. In 1968, the DNA code was successfully deciphered. In 1988, the launch of the Human Genome took place, and in March of 2000, a pig was successfully cloned. Scientists and fertility researchers have continuously anticipated human cloning legalization. For example, in February 2001, Severino Antinori and Panos Zavos announced that their efforts in human cloning would be under way within a year. As of 2009, human cloning was deemed unlawful.

What Are the Benefits of Cloning?

• Although human cloning has been declared unlawful, scientists and fertility researchers claim that there are several benefits to cloning. They include reversing aging and resolving heart problems, repairing damaged tissues and organs, decreasing infertility, correcting defective genes, and preserving animals.

Controversy Surrounding Human Cloning

• The major issue surrounding human cloning is the debate about whether it is moral. As a result, questions arise about the subject, and heated debates begin. Is human cloning right or wrong? Does cloning defy human nature? If human cloning could be beneficial in medicine and surgical treatments and procedures, should it then be legalized? These are just some of the questions that groups like religious and government officials debate.