DNA and Cloning
With the scientific advancements of recent decades, what was formerly science fiction is blossoming into reality. There are a multitude of benefits and advantages to cloning and genetic manipulation, but there are many ethical constraints that bar progress into this field of study.
The moral dilemmas with respect to cloning
Most religions believe that God is the creator of the Universe, and as such, he is the only one who can bring life into this world. Many theists find cloning and the replication of DNA a challenge to the authority of the Almighty. Bans on cloning and stem cell research are the result of these conclusions. Nevertheless, there are still a plethora of avenues in which this relatively new field of study can develop.
The possible advantages of human genetic engineering
Scientists are aware that many diseases are hereditary in nature. A result of millions of years of natural selection and evolution, some alleles and gene expressions may put some individuals at a much higher risk for certain conditions than others. With the advancement of medical science, the engine of human evolution has all but come to a standstill. Diseases that would have killed someone in the past and removed their DNA from the gene pool are curable thanks to modern medical science. In light of this, there is not reason to forgo genetic engineering as a way to reduce negative hereditary traits in future generations. There is also the possibility of longer life spans, and more powerful pharmaceuticals.
Negative aspects of this field of science
Cloning and genetic manipulation do have several negative aspects, which need careful consideration as well. As this is a relatively new field of science, there is still a great deal that scientists do not yet understand about the way in which medical science can manipulate DNA. Along with this comes a possible dehumanization of men and women, in addition to a homogenization of people as a whole.
Although there exist a vast slew of advantages to the science of cloning and genetics, there are several moral and ethical restrictions which scientists must take into account. A clear idea of right and wrong must exist with respect to the topic prior to execution on a large scale.