Cloning offers a lifeline to endangered species.
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Cloning often sparks debate, but its advantages clearly show why it deserves serious consideration. First, in medicine, cloning is not just a futuristic idea — it’s a practical tool that can save lives. By producing organs and tissues genetically identical to patients, cloning drastically reduces transplant rejection, which is a major hurdle in healthcare. Critics worry about ethics, but can we really ignore a technology that could end organ shortages and cure genetic diseases like cancer or cystic fibrosis?
Moreover, cloning revolutionises agriculture. Instead of relying on unpredictable breeding, cloning guarantees crops and livestock with the best traits. This means more reliable food supplies in a world facing climate change and population growth. Opponents argue cloning reduces genetic diversity, but with careful management, cloning can complement traditional farming methods rather than replace them.
Finally, cloning offers a lifeline to endangered species. As habitats vanish, cloning could prevent extinction, preserving biodiversity that’s vital for ecosystems. While some argue that we should focus on habitat conservation instead, cloning provides a backup plan that can’t be ignored.
In conclusion, cloning is not just a scientific curiosity — it’s a powerful tool with real-world benefits. The potential to improve health, food security, and environmental conservation makes cloning a game-changer for our future.
Shishir KM, 15
Bengaluru, Karnataka
Reproductive cloning is a technique that has interested us for a long period of time. However, it is highly illegal in many countries, due to several medical, ethical and social concerns. Though there are calls nowadays to legalise reproductive cloning globally, I stand with the present decision in the majority of countries not to legalise reproductive cloning.
Every human is meant to be unique. Reproductive cloning reduces this diversity among us since the newly formed individuals directly resemble their parents without any changes. Clones, when created, could be exploited for medical research and be troubled from living an ordinary life.
Cloning technology is highly unstable right now, which can lead to deformities and health problems. Several animal clones are seen to age prematurely which can affect the lifestyle of the clone. Imperfect cloning can lead to genetic mutations, which can cause unexpected changes. The traditional ideas of biological parenthood will be hampered if cloning is taken up in greater numbers. ‘Designing’ humans through cloning can lead to genetic engineering and people might try to perfect each trait of the baby, causing an imbalance in comparison with biological babies.
Other forms of cloning such as therapeutic cloning may be legalised for research, but I conclude by saying that reproductive cloning should not be normalised.
Rachan R Rai, 14
Bengaluru, Karnataka