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Leon Kass and the Cloning Debate

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Imagine, the year is 2054. Reproductive cloning technology has been perfected, and clones are just a part of everyday life; the Smiths down the street are raising a clone. Leon Kass’ arguments aren't favored any longer. There is clear agreement with George Pence. Kass has many objections to reproductive cloning, but the two strongest oppositions are the, “Unethical experimentation,” and, “identity,” arguments. The, “unethical experimentation,” argument, points out the high chance for disabilities, deformities, and deaths caused by the reproductive cloning of non-human animals. It wasn't certain that clones, especially the first experiments, would turn out well. In accordance with the argument, it is morally wrong to put someone at that much risk of serious disability, unless there is some compelling reason to do so. In the opinion of Kass, there had not been. Any of the reasons people had for cloning, weren't valid enough to override the concern for potential disabilities. This is one of the many reasons Kass describes reproductive cloning as unethical. Other reasons include, the possibility of mass-produced human beings, strange, “twins,” and fearfulness of the, “bizarre," concept. Pence counters Kass, pointing out that even natural conception and birth isn't risk-free. There is absolutely no way to create an organism, that will guarantee zero health risks in it's life. Pence responds to Kass’ fear of cloning, by comparing it to in vitro fertilization; a practice that is increasingly common. His response claims that Kass' arguments are ignorant, and fearful. Additionally, Kass brings up the importance of the mental well being of clones, with his, “identity,” argument. He figures that clones would experience psychic and social identity problems, due to being a clone of someone else. That their lack of an original genetic makeup, would be detrimental. The clone could feel a pressure to live up to, or to go be

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