Pros & Cons of Therapeutic Cloning

Therapeutic cloning is the process of introducing inserting cells into a nucleus-stripped, fertilized egg. Stem cells are then removed from the embryo to produce new tissue and organs. The stem cells can also be used in attempted treatments of diseases such as Parkinson's. There is much debate about therapeutic cloning, however, because the embryo dies during this process.

History

• Scientists from Massachusetts-based Advanced Cell Technology announced the cloning of human embryos to be used for advancing therapeutic research in November 2001. A skin cell was inserted into a fertilized egg that had all genetic material removed. The egg divided and the technology of therapeutic cloning was created. In 2002, California became the first U.S. state to legalize therapeutic cloning of an embryo, and one year later, Britain became the first country to issue research licenses for human embryonic cloning for creation of stem cells.

Debate

• Some abortion opponents have fought against therapeutic cloning because of the destruction of the embryo--they believe life begins at conception. They also believe that inserting cells into a fertilized egg creates a human person. That life is then killed when the stem cells are removed. Opponents of this type of cloning argue that the killing of one life to cure another is not justified.

Pros

• Therapeutic cloning gives recipients the possibility of little to no danger of rejecting a transplanted organ because that organ would have an exact match to the patient's DNA. Furthermore, there would be no need for an organ donor and no surgery required for a second party. The recipient would not need to wait on a donor to die before receiving a life-saving organ. Therapeutic cloning has been valuable for researchers. It allows researchers to test for possible cures or treatments of existing diseases and disorders such as Parkinson's and diabetes. Therapeutic cloning also enables scientists to study the regeneration of organs, although disagreements exist on the benefits of therapeutic cloning.

Cons

• Adult cells are limiting, so therapeutic cloning relies on stem cells extracted from embryos. Of stem cells extracted, just a portion are usable. Some cells mutate and cause tumors in recipients. To be able to truly cure disease, millions of eggs will be required, and there is not a sufficient supply at this time. Researchers are looking for other avenues to produce enough eggs.

Congress

• Interest in therapeutic cloning is high in Congress. The issue has supporters on both sides of the aisle. However, the use of embryos remains a contentious matter. There is nearly unanimous support to ban human cloning, but therapeutic cloning is getting much support from left-leaning lawmakers. However, nothing has been put into law.