Is cloning unacceptable?

I found the editorial Playing games with God (March 4) concerning the cloning of humans somewhat vague.

For example, the editorial said the cloning of humans is morally unacceptable by any standard. I think it is worth noting that humans have been creating other humans through sexual intercourse for thousands of years and that scientists have been cloning plants for years in order to produce more resilient crops and alleviate the problem of world hunger. Since both these activities are considered morally acceptable, and even desirable, I think you should explain carefully in what ways the cloning of humans is so different that it becomes unacceptable.

The writer also seemed concerned about cloning technology because it is certain to create an ethical problem. Naturally, new technology often leads to ethical problems, especially in the medical field, where new treatments must be tested on guinea pigs and tough decisions are constantly required about the allocation of scarce resources. But this does not mean that conducting the research is wrong. What it does mean is that we need well-founded ethics, which are able to cope with the dilemmas arising from research and which may be unprecedented in the history of humanity.

In conclusion, the editorial said there was a desirability for a "balance between scientific progression and religious values". This refers to the restriction of scientific research in accordance with the wishes of religious authorities or their political representatives. Before supporting this, we should remember the examples of Galileo and Darwin, both of whom were ridiculed and persecuted by religious leaders of their time, and we should consider the fruits of politically driven research projects such as nuclear weapons and VX gas.

Reflecting on these examples does not suggest that greater control of scientific research by religious and political figures would enable scientists to concentrate on projects of most benefit to mankind. On the contrary, it would force them to concentrate on those projects of most benefit to religious and political leaders exercising the control.

JOHN HARGREAVES

Jakarta