Allen Verhey

In the following viewpoint, Allen Verhey argues that to allow human cloning simply because it is possible diminishes family relationships by transforming them into contractual obligations. Furthermore, he contends, human cloning would strip the cloned child of whatever choice he or she had in establishing a personal identity. Cloned children could be seen by their parents as a product that could be discarded if it was imperfect, Verhey maintains, and not as a gift from God that should be cherished. Verhey is an ethicist and chairperson of the religion department at Hope College in Holland, Michigan.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What does Paul Ramsey think is the most persistent argument in favor of cloning, as cited by Verhey?
2. What is the happiness test for cloning, according to Ramsey?
3. Why would parents see...