Therapeutic cloning : utilitarianism vs human dignity

Abstract

This dissertation deals with Human Cloning and how this could be used therapeutically, i.e. in alleviating human suffering. It is meant to present arguments in favour and arguments against. I based my investigations on the most recent books and documents, as well as by browsing the Internet for the latest ideas by the most influential persons, foundations, and other international organisations. It consists of an Introduction, three Chapters and a Conclusion. The Introduction is meant to give a general overview of the history of the subject. Chapter 1 then deals with general medical terms and explains what cloning is all about and what we mean by the status of the embryo. Chapter 2 focuses mostly on the Utilitarian approach, which is the approach backed strongly by the United Kingdom, especially in its recent laws about Therapeutic Cloning, based on the Donaldson Report which included most of the arguments already found in the 1990 Warnock Report. Chapter 3 stresses Human Dignity and why any type of cloning, including the therapeutic type, should be considered as amoral and unethical. This latter view is held by countries like Germany, while the USA tries to keep an in-between position by not funding experiments but leaving the door open for private investigations on embryo stem cell research. I do hope that this dissertation will serve to help promoting awareness of the importance of bioethics in the Course of Medicine and Surgery.