As a worldwide community, we have been able to develop a moral consensus to restrict the use of technologies such as nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Unfortunately, such a consensus on cloning may not be possible because many of the essential ethical barriers against cloning already have been transgressed. For instance, socially accepted technologies already allow for asexual reproduction. In addition, parents have conceived a child specifically to be a bone marrow donor for their seriously ill daughter. Moreover, many potential consequences associated with cloning happen all too regularly.
Parents saddle children with undue expectations.
Genetic discrimination occurs before and after birth. Today, most people are repulsed at the prospect of cloning human persons. Federal funding bans, voluntary moratoriums, governmental regulations and societal disdain may delay the advent of cloning. However, until society comes to grips with the deeper issues surrounding the true nature of the human person, parenthood, genetic inheritance and reproduction, we will not be able to sustain a consistent societal consensus regarding the haunting futuristic prospect of cloning people. Norris is the associate director of the University's Center for Health Care Ethics.