John F. Kilner

Scientists have successfully cloned mice, sheep, and monkeys, raising questions as to whether humans could be next. In March 1997 President Bill Clinton banned the use of federal money for cloning humans and urged a moratorium on all human cloning research. In the following viewpoint, John F. Kilner supports Clinton’s actions and argues that human cloning should not be allowed. Cloning research, he asserts, would destroy the lives of human embryos and infants. In addition, he contends that making genetic copies of humans for utilitarian purposes is unethical and demeaning. Kilner is director of the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity in Bannockburn, Illinois.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How would cloning research cause the death of human beings, according to Kilner?
2. What questions does Kilner say are raised by the...