Question

Cloning

What ethical challenges will nurses face because of this development?

Answer 1

Cloning is the production of many plants or animals that are identical to the original one genetically. Human cloning is a scientific revolution. There are mainly two types of human cloning: reproductive and therapeutic. Reproductive intends to produce a child who is genetically similar to the another individual while therapeutic cloning is used to produce compatible tissues and organs for transplantations. Human cloning has raised many ethical, social and health related problems. Nurses are also confronted with many of the ethical impacts of cloning as it can result in the development of many new physiological and psychological concerns that may require nursing care.

First of all, the safety of persons are not guaranteed in cloning experiments. As nurses play a very important role in the health team, they must respect the dignity and individuality of people and prevent any kind of harm to humans. In such cases they should raise their concerns as a client advocate against procedures that can cause harm to human life. Primarily, the duty of a nurse is to 'do good to others' which is reflected in the ethical principle, Beneficence.

In addition, various advanced treatment modalities which uses the technique of cloning can result in developmental abnormalities in the offsprings. Nurses must be well aware of the physiological and psychological aspects of this problem and must take care of those children in a specific manner. Not only children but also the family requires strong psychological support in these situations.

As we know, cloning has merits as well as demerits. Nurses must act as counsellors in order to give proper information and guidance for individuals regarding this process. For that nurses must have evidence based knowledge regarding the same and utilize it to guide people.

Eventhough cloning doesn't have any direct impact on nursing, a nurse can't stay away from it as it affects individuals, families and the whole society for whom they are responsible.