Spirituality and Ethics of Human Cloning Essay Example

The whole discussion and debate about reproduction versus procreation and being begotten versus being made are very controversial both in the scientific as well as in the religious world. Different people look at these issues differently, have different definitions and schools of thought that cause the differences to arise. Meilaender looks at the whole discussion from a Christian perspective from where he bases his arguments for or against the whole ideas of whether a child is either reproduced or procreated and whether the child is made or begotten (Meilaender, 2013). This paper aims at bringing to perspective Meilaender's readings with a view of identifying whether or not we agree with his perspective on the whole idea of procreation and reproduction, giving reasons for the choices.

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Procreation is defined as the act of bringing forth of an offspring whereas reproduction is the process through which organisms are produced or formed by their parents. Indeed from that definition, we can confidently state that procreation is begetting a child whereas reproduction is making a child (Kass & Wilson, 1998). Reproduction for the purpose of this discussion will focus more on assisted reproduction using technologies such as human cloning. Looking at the two words, they can be construed to carry an equal or definite weight considering that the end result for both is a new human being. Indeed, procreation is preferred more in religious circles as it involves viewing a child as a gift whereas reproduction is more scientific as it identifies a child as an end product of a particular process (De Anna, 2006).

With this regard, looking at Meilaender's view and understanding, it is clear that he intends to bring in the question of morality into the discussion. Morality is more of a religious outlook of the whole discussion which explains where he is coming from. Indeed, as indicated earlier, Meilaender is viewing the whole debate from a Christian angle basing his argument from his theological teachings. It is clear that Meilaender's views are important especially considering that the whole topic of discussion revolves around spirituality and ethics. Spirituality comes from his Christian background while ethics is raised when he adds in morality into the debate and it is also a major aspect and element of Christianity (Meilaender, 2013).

Meilaender uses Leon Kass to bring forth the difference between procreation and reproduction. According to Kass, "The pre-modern Christian English-speaking world, impressed with the world as given by a Creator, using the term "pro-creation (Kass & Wilson, 1998)." Meilaender identifies all through the reading that procreation is more a natural process that is divinely influenced whereas reproduction is a process that is unnatural in itself and disturbs the true divine nature of God's plan for mankind. By begetting a child, Meilaender sees it as a symbol that indicates and identifies a divine and innate union that is created between mother and father. Being begotten is not a simple equal contribution between a father and a mother, but also constitutes the delivery of emotions and feelings particularly mutual love that causes and gives rise to another human being who is different in thought from the two but has equal dignity to the parents and through him, their love is made manifest and with it, an unwavering unity is created (Meilaender, 2013).

Reflecting on Meilaender's reading, I find myself at a crossroad as I agree with him whereas, at the same time, I disagree with some of his viewpoints. Indeed, all over the world, in different cultures, people, and religions, procreation is endeared as a moment of joy and celebration, giving thanks to a higher power or spiritual being for the advance and continuation of human life. I agree that procreation as Meilaender puts it is a symbol of love and unity. These are important especially in raising the child because love is the most important ingredient in bringing up children (De Anna, 2006).

On the other hand, it is quite unfair to close the whole discussion and disqualify reproduction as being unethical and immoral. Meilaender's perspective does not take into account individuals who are barren or those who find it hard to get children but want to have and raise children. Indeed, from this angle, his perspective is morally biased as it does not take into consideration these people's emotions or feelings. His presupposition that these families will not be able to give all their love is unfair and unethical. There are shreds of evidence in the past where children who have been procreated have been mistreated by their families because sex is not necessarily an act of love. The part where Meilaender has a point that I agree with is that human reproduction has the possibility of being viewed as a task and can be refined to initiate such processes as the creation of designer babies who have qualities and traits that have been preselected before creation. It will mean that if a baby during the reproduction stage fails to meet the criteria, he/she can be killed reducing his worth and ignoring his inherent right. It is important to view human life with dignity and honor. The biggest danger to reproduction is viewing babies as products that can be procured anytime (De Anna, 2006).

Conclusion

In conclusion, procreation and reproduction will always have debates and controversies even as a technology for reproduction gets more unique and sophisticated. However, if the reasons are made clear and the families chosen are vetted and identified to be deserving, I believe that reproduction will be able to achieve what procreation is seen to achieve through Meilaender's eyes. All in all, according to me, the issue is not how the child gets here, rather, it is what happens after the child gets here. It is, for this reason, I agree with Meilaender's take albeit to some extent while at the same time, I disagree with his perspective.

References

De Anna, G. (2006). Cloning, Begetting, and Making Children. HEC Forum, 18(2), 172-188.

Kass, L., & Wilson, J. Q. (1998). The Ethics of Human Cloning. American Enterprise Institute.

Meilaender, G. (2013). Bioethics: A Primer for Christians, Third Edition. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.