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Posted by Alan Bachrach, M.D. on 23:32:03 2004/07/28
In Reply to: Re: Ron Reagan Democratic National Convention 07/27/04 posted by klausen
I must admit that I was surprised when I read this address. I agree that it doesn't properly address the use of surplus fertilized eggs in fertility centers.
Having said this, I must say that in my opinion, the controversy over human cloning is ridiculous. Even if someone were egotistical enough to clone themselves by having their DNA inserted into an unfertilized egg, the end result would be a baby. In effect, at most they could create an identical twin, albeit many years younger. So what? Each child (cloned or otherwise) is unique. Even if identical from a genetic standpoint, each grows up in its own particular set of circumstances and with its own specific influences. IMO, fear of cloning is entirely irrational. A paper tiger. Forget it. Move on to the important moral questions in this world.
I can think of a few people I wish had been cloned. Chopin, Gershwin, Einstein, etc. Even if they grew up in new circumstances compared to the person from whom they had been cloned, think of the potential for creating wonderful music, art, ideas, etc. And a few that I'm glad weren't cloned. I wonder whether Hitler would have been as evil had he been raised in different circumstances.
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