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CLONING DEBATE PERSISTS AFTER ANTI-CLONING
BILL PASSES HOUSE
By Becky Knauer
Looks like Austin Powers might be the only one with his own “mini me”.
The House of Representatives officially banned human cloning in a vote of 241 to 155 on Feb. 27, 2003. This bill, while strongly backed by President George Bush, still has yet to be approved by Senate.
Although cloning is easy to refute, there exist strong claims for its support, making it difficult to conclude that it is completely void of positive aspects. The true debate lies in whether or not cloning embryos to generate cells for study or treatment is a worthwhile endeavor.
Recent research on stem cells found in the placenta shined new light on cloning. According to scientists, these cells, when used in cloning, could provide cues to treatment for debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s as well as heart attacks.
Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass., argued that this new development could significantly advance medical technology. In passing this bill, McGovern said that not only is science being hindered, but also the health of those stricken with these diseases.
"I can't see how it is moral to look in the eyes of someone with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's and say we're going to stand in the way," McGovern said.
According to The New York Times, The National Academy of Sciences concluded that cloning has scientific promise and only stirs political controversy because its in an infancy stage. Further investigation of the benefits of cloning could possibly open significant doors in the medical profession.
While advocates of cloning urge others to see the medical benefits, some, even those working within the science/medical field, strongly disagree. Christine Sharon, Registered Nurse for Brighton-Marine Healthcare in Massachusetts, is an avid opponent of cloning and sees it as a way for humans to play God.
“For me, cloning is morally wrong,” Sharon said. “To create a human being for the purpose of experimentation is not what the good Lord had in mind when he put us on this earth. We…[don’t] have the right to play God.”
Senator Edward Kennedy remains confident that, even though the vote is still out, members of Senate will follow suit and mirror the House’s decision.
"I'm confident that a majority of the Senate will reject these unwarranted restrictions on medical research, as it has many times in the past," said Kennedy.
If the bill is passed, violators will face heavy penalties such as prison sentences and fines up to $1 million.
Sharon believes there are alternatives to cloning that would, in turn, produce the same benefits, if not better.
“Science has and will continue to learn a great deal from those who donate their bodies to science both before and after death,” Sharon said. “For those that agree to participate in [methods of] experimental procedures, I think that this…will give more accurate results in the long run rather than cloning which tries to control or dictate the human body.”
While the House made its decision, CBSNews.com said the Senate is now faced with an uphill battle to end this cloning debate.