Cloning

            Over the past few years, cloning has become a very controversial topic. The American Medical Association (AMA) defines cloning as "the production of genetically identical organisms via somatic cell nuclear transfer" (Farnsworth). In simple terms, cloning is the method of producing a baby that has the same genes as its parent" (Farnsworth). With the rapid advancements in cloning, it is critical that we understand not only the benefits, but also the consequences that may arise. It will be necessary for scientists to be educated about cloning in order to avoid preventable complications, to properly prepare all aspects of the experiments, to keep the best interest of society in mind, and to acknowledge moral and ethical issues.
             Many people do not realize this, but cloning has been around for Just over 30 years. Embryo cloning (in vitro fertilization) has been carried out on many species of animals. It involves removing one or more cells from an embryo and encouraging the cell to develop into a separate embryo with the same DNA as the original (Robinson). In vitro fertilization is a form of cloning in which sperm and an egg cell are mixed together on a glass dish (Robinson). After the sperm and egg have united, the zygote (fertilized egg) can either be inserted into a female body to mature into a fetus, or it can be frozen for later use. This type of cloning is indeed amazing, but it is not what caught the attention of the entire world in February of 1997. .
             On February 23, 1997 the press released information stating that the first successful cloning of a mammal using a cell from an adult sheep had occurred. "Dolly, a seven-month old sheep, was displayed to the media; she is the first large cloned animal using DNA from another adult" (Robinson). Since this time, scientists all over the world have started cloning mammals such as mice and cattle. Animals are not the only species being cloned however.