Cloning: The Ethical DilemmaAfter the successful cloning of a lamb to produce Dolly, a genetically identical twin of her mother lamb, controversy arose over the frightening prospects of cloning technology . Although it is undeniable that the ability to clone livestock and even humans constitutes a medical advancement, such technology must be used with careful consideration of the ethical question. Cloning technology has many obvious advantages, such as the successful cloning of Dolly. . The most immediate concern will be the ability to clone various animal species for food, research and medical purposes. For example, farmers can now choose to raise only premium, genetically cloned animals. Another possibility could be the mass cloning of animals with genetic defects mimicking human diseases. This will facilitate large-scale scientific research into these diseases. Cloning also opens up the possibility of producing transgenic animals, which could help alleviate the human organ shortage by providing organs for transplantation. There are still many other opportunities resulting from cloning that cannot be discussed here due to the brevity of this essay. Judging by the many advantages of cloning, should we then launch into this new technology without further hesitation? There are ethical issues that need to be carefully considered. For example, is it right that we turn to human breeding to provide organs suitable for transplantation? Are we not violating the rights of these human clones? Or do we not even consider them to be in the same class as us? What about the possibility of having designer babies? Wouldn't it be perfect if we could select babies the same way we shop, selecting those who have no inherent defects? What about those who can’t afford to have their baby made to order? Will their children be discriminated against simply because they are not perfect? In addition to ethical issues, there are also medical issues to consider. Cloning technology is still in its infancy and its long-term effects remain unpredictable. Should we then proceed with mass cloning while we are still groping in the dark about its future consequences? It is necessary that we look at cloning research in the right perspective. Like any other medical research, it can be a double-edged sword if misused...