Cloning: Ethical Theories, Principles, and Legal Aspects (PNR 300)

This essay delves into the complex ethical landscape of cloning, examining various perspectives and arguments surrounding this controversial topic. The paper begins with an introduction to cloning and its potential benefits, such as the production of genetically identical individuals. It then explores the ethical dilemmas associated with cloning, including concerns about family relationships, human dignity, and the potential for self-centeredness in cloned organisms. The essay analyzes two prominent ethical theories, utilitarianism and egoism, and how they might view the ethical issues involved. It also identifies and discusses bioethical principles, specifically the principle of usefulness and informed consent, and how these principles are either supported or violated by cloning practices. Furthermore, the essay examines relevant nursing standards and codes, as well as legal considerations, including the Nursing Act, the Human Rights Act, and their implications for cloning. The conclusion summarizes the key arguments and provides an overall assessment of the ethical standing of cloning, taking into account the various viewpoints and considerations discussed throughout the paper.

Reading Head: CLONNING 0
Cloning
January 20
2020
This abstract will show the different ethical theories and Bioethical
principles which are in support or against of the topic.

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Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Ethical Dilemma.........................................................................................................................2
Ethical Theories......................................................................................................................2
Utilitarianism......................................................................................................................2
Egoism................................................................................................................................2
Ethical Dilemma.........................................................................................................................3
Bio-ethical Principles.............................................................................................................3
Principles of Usefulness of Cloning...................................................................................3
Violating the principle of Informed Consent in Cloning....................................................3
Nursing Standards and Codes....................................................................................................4
Legal Considerations..................................................................................................................5
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................5
References..................................................................................................................................7

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Introduction
Science has become more advance then anyone would ever thought of. There are
many new inventions in the field of science on regular basis. All these inventions are
invented to make the life of people easier. There are also some inventions done by which
genetically identified individuals can be produced. In this discussion a light is thrown on
“Cloning”. The process of cloning is having advantage as it can produce identifies individuals
naturally as well as artificially.
Ethical Dilemma
But the ethical problems which are faced in the process of cloning is because it
distorts family relationships and sense of human dignity is also lost. It is also believed by
several people that organisms which are produced by the process of Cloning are selfish and
they will only focus on their own. Since, child is a gift of god and in cloning parents can
design their own child with their expectations and this is considered to be a violation of ethics
(Häyry, 2018).
Ethical Theories
“Cloning” is the process by which genetically identified individuals of an organism
can be produced. It can be done by both ways artificially and naturally. It is a
biotechnological term. It simple words, it is the process of creating copies of cells or DNA
fragments.
Utilitarianism
According to this theory, an action is right or wrong as a consequence of the non-
moral good the action produces. This theory supports the process of cloning because if
something can cause happiness in large numbers then it should be allowed. There are also

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certain benefits of cloning because parents can also produce same identical twins with the
help of this process. And if one child is unhealthy they can transfer that part from cloned
child as they are genetically same. And by this way both of them can remain healthy.
Egoism
According to this theory, “we have no duty except to do what is best for ourselves”.
This theory suggests the self-interest. Cloning is considered to be another driving force to
push the limits of the human gene. The generation of “baby boomers” have been influenced
greatly in the areas of health and life. Cloning technology opens the door of genetics. This
will also increase the possibilities of life and it can also create happiness (W, 2011).
Ethical Dilemma
Cloning can have many side effects as well and it can also result in damage some of
external things. Human moral and beliefs can also be damaged because of cloning. Cloning is
also considered the process which is against nature as it is the artificial process of producing
organism. There are also some of the religious point of view which considered cloning to be
unethical. In Holy Quran it is emphasized on the creation of human and other marriage
traditions. Cloning can also hurt human emotions (Nabavizadeh, Mehrabani, & Manafi,
2016).
Bio-ethical Principles
Principles of Usefulness of Cloning
This is the second fundamental principle of bio-ethics. This principle prevents others
from causing any harm and losses. It can be said that this principle eliminates the factor of
harm. And if cloned individuals have any special capability it can be used for others rather
than cloned individual himself.

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Violating the principle of Informed Consent in Cloning
The main thing in every action is consent. The main principle of bio-ethics is consent.
The main issue in the process on cloning is the consent. Consent of cloned individuals is
required because it is very important to know that cloned individuals are satisfies or not and
is it permit the unnatural ay of producing individuals. But it is not possible to ask cloned
individual because they are not present at the time of experiment and after completion of
process nothing can be stated.
Nursing Standards and Codes
There are seven nursing standards which are set by CNO and every standard has its
importance and they all are interconnected.
1. Accountability
2. Continuing Competence
3. Ethics
4. Knowledge
5. Knowledge Application
6. Leadership
7. Relationship (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2018).
Ethics and Accountability are two nursing standards which are useful in cloning
process. Cloning is still the process which can affect the ethics because cloned
individuals are still not given a right to be called as humans. As humans are creations
of God. And according to ethics of people humans are ones whom is created by god.
And form legal point of view also cloning can also be performed with the justification
of court.

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Legal Considerations
1. Nursing Act, 1991
This act states that how the nursing profession is regulated in Canada. This act
contains the scope of practice statements and acts which are authorized to nursing. This act
also contains the permitted actions and processes that are applicable in regulating the health
profession in Canada.
2. Human Right Act,1977
This act presents the right of Canadian people. But human right act does not have any
specific place in Canadian law. According to law there are some provisions which are set by
government to protect the rights of the people (Canadian Human Rights Reporter, 2013).
Since, Cloning requires a constitutional justification it cannot be performed by private
individuals who are involved in medical activities. Because cloning is the process through
which everyone will get affected directly or indirectly. Human rights act says that equal
opportunities will be provided to humans but cloned individual are not considered human yet
because they are created with skills which is put in them by other individuals. And because of
that this act if also violated.
Conclusion
“Cloning” should be considering a right process because it is helping in developing
new similar genetic organism. Cloning can also help in developing individuals with some
special feature and this can be helpful in development of others. Cloning is considered to be
wrong by many individuals and from many religious points of view as it involves artificial

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way of producing other individuals. But it is useful in treating diseases of two individuals
with same genetics. Hence, Cloning can bring happiness in the lives of many people.
References
Canadian Human Rights Reporter. (2013). Canadian Human Rights Reporter. Retrieved 01
20, 2020, from HUMAN RIGHTS LAW BASICS:
https://www.cdn-hr-reporter.ca/content/human-rights-law-basics
College of Nurses of Ontario. (2018). Professional Standards. Retrieved 01 20, 2020, from
College of Nurses of Ontario: https://www.cno.org/en/learn-about-standards-
guidelines/educational-tools/learning-modules/professional-standards/
Häyry, M. (2018). Ethics and cloning. British Medical Bulletin, 128(1), 15–21.
Nabavizadeh, S. L., Mehrabani, D., & Manafi, F. (2016). Cloning: A Review on Bioethics,
Legal, Jurisprudence and Regenerative Issues in Iran. World Journal of Plastic
Surgery, 5(3), 213-225.
W, J. (2011). A New Age Ethical Theory and the Acceptance of Human Cloning. Doctor of
Humane Letters in Christian Ethics, 6-7.