title: [On the problem of human cloning].
abstract: Somatic cell cloning technique in mammals is still not very efficient, but intensive efforts have been made to improve it. Considering the great biological affinity of humans and animals, the cloning technique can in the not too distant future be applied in human cloning and improved to the point of becoming safe. Even when we make such an assumption, I consider it irrational and dangerous to clone the human in order to make their copies (with human cloning for therapeutic purposes being another problem). Life, which is generated by the union of egg cell and spermatozoon is an unforeseeable combination of genetic possibilities, but at the same time it offers a unique chance for the human being, both as an individual and a species. The creation of life by genetic duplication of an already formed individual means a great reduction not only in the biological sense. Action like this is evidence of extreme egocentrism and totalitarian thinking, and its proponents should first answer the question whether they would consider cloning themselves. An answer in the affirmative would help to establish the underlying reasons for their approval.
authors.affiliation: Instytut Zootechniki, Balice, 32-083 Krakow, Poland.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Smorag
mesh_terms: D001675:Bioethics; D019976:Cloning, Organism; D005826:Genetics, Medical; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D028723:Personhood