is the creation of a genetically identical copy of a human. It does not usually refer to monozygotic multiple births nor the reproduction of human cells or tissue. The term is generally used to refer to artificial human cloning - human clones in the form of identical twins are commonplace, with their cloning occurring during the natural process of reproduction. Idea of human cloning was born in the late 90s in South Korea.
The ethics of cloning is an extremely controversial issue in a lot of aspects.

"Do you think..." - Human Cloning Research in U.S.A.

According to american's research about human cloning the vast majority of Americans say human cloning cannot be justified in most situations:

Most Americans dissaprove of cloning a human being but more then half say they approve of cloning to find treatments of disease.


The Stem Cell and Human Cloning Debate from an Ethical Perspective

The legal and political issues that surround cloning

The legal situation varies between different countries. There are laws against human cloning in Spain, Germany, Canada, Denmark, England, Norway and the UK. France promises to form such a law should anyone attempt to clone a human being. Human cloning is not illegal, however, in the United States. There is currently a ban on the research that could lead to human cloning and there are to be no federal funds used for embryo research.
Federal regulations governing the use of human beings in research also apply to human cloning. It is up to the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), committees appointed by institutions (such as universities) where research is conducted, to enforce the laws against cloning. Federal Law also states that any clinics using assisted reproduction techniques must be monitored. There are also regulations on the number of manipulations made to eggs or embryos.
After the announcement of Dolly, legislation was proposed in Congress pertaining to human cloning for Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Missouri, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
There is also an argument by some about wrongful life. "The idea of ‘wrongful life’ is simply that an infant has been harmed and/or wronged by being brought to birth in a less than satisfactory condition or adverse circumstances. The alleged wrong can give rise to legal action for compensation.
The actions being taken to create public policy for human cloning are done with respect to the ethical issues of creating a child in this manner and to American tradition and the common good.

Religious views

Upon researching this topic, I found that most written opinion are expressed by Christian writers. This is not to say that other religions are not speaking out. In fact, in, I would like to point out that all the religions I read about were against human cloning. The only exception to the rule that we could find was the religion of Islam.

Acoording to the one of the Wikipedia's article religious views at human cloning are as follows:


Christian
Christian Roman Catholicism and many conservative Christian groups have opposed human cloning and the cloning of human embryos, since they believe that life begins at the moment of conception and soul gets into body only this way. Christian, however, feel that we have no right to play the role of God, because He is the only one Creator and act of creation depends on Him.

Islam
Cloning specific parts of the human body for purposes of medical is not prohibited in Islam, but to clone the whole human body would not be permitted under any circumstances. However, if it goes into cloning only specific parts of the human body such as heart and kidneys, for the purpose of treatment, this is permitted and actually recommended and rewarded by Allah.

Jewish
Judaism does not equate life with conception and, though some question the wisdom of cloning, Orthodox rabbis generally find no firm reason in Jewish law and ethics to object to cloning. Liberal Jewish thinkers have cautioned against cloning, among other genetic engineering efforts, though some eye the potential medical advantages.

Buddhism 
Ronald Y. Nakasone, a Buddhist priest and Professor of Buddhist Art and Culture at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California stated, "The Buddhist response to the possibility of cloning human beings is not if, but when . . . Would we accord a cloned person the benefits enjoyed by those who are born naturally? I would hope so." Buddhists even believe in the natural order of the world and to clone humans would be violating that rule.

Cloning on the News

Below I enclose links to two intresting articles I read last time about cloning and facts associated with it. Enjoy!