Recently a scientist in Chicago, Richard Seed, announced his intention to open the "Human Clone Clinic" in hopes of building on the successes of Scottish scientists (who cloned an adult sheep) by cloning a human being. Link to this site (from National Public Radio's All Things Considered) to hear Seed present the argument that cloning is a part of what God not only allows, but intends or wants, humans to do. Write an essay in which you describe Seed's arguments for cloning and genetic reprogramming. Do you agree with his arguments? What about the arguments of ethicist and lawyer John Robertson, whose arguments are also presented at this site? Search January 7, 1998, Show: All Things Considered
Missy is a dog so loved by her wealthy owners that they have offered to provide the financing necessary to have her cloned. In response to their offer, scientists at Texas A&M University have teamed up with Bio Arts & Research Corporation (BARC) to, among other things, "replicate specific, exceptional dogs of high societal value." Write an essay in which you describe the "Missyplicity Project" and examine ethical issues related to the project. Do you think, for example, that the project has moral worth? Do you think that it is important enough to invest significant financial resources in it? Are there moral concerns that outweigh the merits of the project? Be sure to defend your answers.
Late in 1996, a 63-year-old American woman gave birth to a child conceived by fertilizing an anonymous donor's egg with her husband's sperm in a process known as "in vitro fertilization." The possibility of post-menopausal women giving birth has produced enthusiasm in some quarters, concern in others. Link to the site below to read about some arguments both for and against such assisted reproduction. Write an essay in which you describe those arguments. Where do you stand on this issue? Explain your answer.
