Chapter 1: Cloning and Its Moral Quandaries

Ruby Noir poses a profound question: “What are your thoughts on the practice of creating a genetically engineered child to serve as a perfect match for an existing child suffering from a life-threatening illness? Should such interventions be permitted?” My reflections on this question lead me through a complex philosophical landscape, revealing unexpected insights along the way. Engaging in self-dialogue often paves the path to greater understanding.

When our beloved Boxer, Fraser, passed away from old age, I momentarily entertained the notion of having him preserved through taxidermy. While it was a fleeting thought, I wondered what it would be like to return home each day to a tangible reminder of his presence. If others can choose to preserve their pets in such a manner, why not a cherished companion? Ultimately, Fraser was cremated, and I never explored the idea of cloning him. A replica would not evoke the same bond.

Despite Fraser's significant role in our family, he was still a dog, not a human child. When his time came, I accepted it as a natural part of life. However, the question shifts when we consider the potential for a terminally ill child. If it were possible to create a second child, genetically designed to be a match for the first, would I support such an action? To what extent is a parent willing to go to preserve their child’s life?

Nurturing a child is an immense responsibility. They enter the world utterly dependent, and it is the parent's duty to protect and provide for them. But how would parents perceive this second child? Would they see them as an individual with their own identity, or merely as an extension of the first? Would the new child be free to forge their own path, or would they always be overshadowed by their sibling? Placing such heavy expectations on a child can be detrimental. Yet, many parents have made sacrifices for their children’s wellbeing, even to the point of utilizing a twin for medical purposes.

If it's acceptable for a twin to assist a sibling, why not consider the creation of a genetically engineered child for the same purpose?

However, this raises ethical concerns. Life is already fraught with challenges; why burden a child with the weight of such monumental responsibility? If the mission fails, the second child might be left grappling with feelings of guilt and inadequacy, having been tasked with a role that could lead to deep emotional scars.

Furthermore, how would parents cope with the emotional fallout? Would the second child serve as a constant reminder of loss? Would seeing this new life be too painful to bear?

It’s impossible to predict how one will react until placed in that situation. Is it ethical to create a child without fully understanding the implications of their existence? Would this child ever feel valued for who they are, or would they always perceive themselves as a mere replacement? What if the two siblings don't share a close relationship? Are parents willing to risk their second child's sense of self for the sake of saving the first?

Personally, I am against the concept of cloning a child, but that may stem from my apprehension towards change. The idea of genetically modifying humans feels foreign to me, akin to selecting the traits of offspring. Thankfully, I have never faced the harrowing scenario of having a terminally ill child, nor do I wish to. It’s a burden I would rather not carry, and I find it overwhelming to delve into such a distressing topic.

As I write this, I find it easier to distance myself from the hypothetical parents wrestling with the decision of cloning their child. It’s simple to assert that I would never partake in such an act while considering the feelings of the second child, who would be expected to take on a significant medical role.

A doctor’s primary mission is to save lives, and they take an oath to do everything possible to ensure their patients' survival. Should parents be held to the same standard? If science offers a potential solution, are they obligated to embrace it? Should society impose regulations, or is it a personal decision that should remain with the parents, even under duress?

Reflecting on my values, I realize that if I had the chance to create a child to save another, I might agree, but I fear I would struggle to see that second child as a distinct individual. They might always seem like a means to an end. While I would undoubtedly love them, I worry they could feel overshadowed.

What if the procedure fails and the first child dies? Could I continue to love the second child without being haunted by grief?

My perspective is evolving. Could I genuinely embrace this new child as a unique person, worthy of love for who they are?

This transformation would require emotional maturity and a commitment to nurturing a bond that acknowledges everyone’s individuality. It’s a risk worth taking if it means ensuring that all parties find their place within the family dynamic.

Initially, I believed I would never subject a child to such a fate, unwilling to bring a new life into the world simply to fulfill another’s needs. Yet now, I’m questioning that certainty. As a parent, my instinct is to protect my children at all costs. As I reflect on my own children, the thought of not doing everything possible to save them feels unbearable. If science offers a solution, I must confront my outdated beliefs that equate progress with danger.

My responsibility is to love that second child and nurture their unique identity while attempting to save the first. Imagining my adult children, I cannot fathom living with the guilt of inaction if one were to perish simply because I did not explore all avenues. How could I ever look into the eyes of my terminally ill child and say, “I’m sorry, but I can’t help you”?

No future is guaranteed, and we cannot truly know how we will feel about our choices until we have made them. As parents, we must take that risk, ensuring that the second child feels valued. Whether we succeed or fail, isn’t that the essence of parenting?

This question is not as far-fetched as it might seem. With the advancement of science, human cloning may soon become a reality, presenting parents with difficult choices. This is not mere science fiction; it is approaching our reality. I appreciate you joining me on this journey of contemplation. If faced with the chance to save my child, I would pursue every available option. What would you do?

My exploration of this topic stemmed from the following prompt:

#16. What are your thoughts on the creation of a genetically engineered child to serve as a match for a sibling with a potentially fatal illness? Should children be engineered for this purpose? How do you perceive the implications for the second child, their sibling, and the parents involved? Is it justified to take such actions to save a life?

Please scroll to the end of this page to ensure your visit is counted as a read. Thank you for your support.

If you're looking for more prompts, Ruby Noir has plenty to offer.

Think Then Rethink Prompts For July

Just when you thought it was safe to do prompt writing…

Here are the contributors and supporters of the challenges. Please show them some love. If you wish to be added or removed from this list, just let me know.

Brett Jenae Tomlin, NancyO, Ruby Noir, Randy Pulley, Pamela Oglesby, The Sturg, Harry Hogg, Susie Winfield, Autistic Widower (“AJ”), Vidya Sury, Collecting Smiles, Trisha Faye, Bernie Pullen, Michelle Jimerson Morris, Paula Shablo, Brandon Ellrich, Ravyne Hawke, Pat Romito LaPointe, Karen Hoffman, Vincent Pisano, Michael Rhodes, Toni The Talker, Lu Skerdoo, Bruce Coulter, Rachella Angel Page, Pluto Wolnosci ?, Lisa Guard, Dixie Dodd, Adrian CDTPPW, Leigh-Anne Dennison, barry robinson, Jerry Dwyer, Jennifer Dunne, Keeley Schroder.

Chapter 2: The Case for Cloning to Save Lives

Reflecting on the ethical implications of cloning leads to more questions than answers.

The first video titled "How to Clone a Human" delves into the scientific and ethical considerations of human cloning, exploring the potential benefits and moral dilemmas involved.

The second video, "I Cloned My Dog," shares a personal account of the emotional journey of cloning a beloved pet, prompting viewers to reflect on the implications of such decisions in the context of family and love.