Clone my pet?

This topic is an interesting one. While I think that its a great idea to research cloning and it can have a great benefit for us, I don't think that it should come to a point where we're thinking about cloning ourselves or our loved ones. Cloning can be a great benefit to us if used properly. We could perhaps clone human body parts, like liver and kidneys, to prolong some of our lives, but not necessarily clone ourselves so that, in some instance, we can "live forever." Cloning a pet is in theory a great idea, but think about all the pets that don't have homes, which is a lot! I would much rather go and get a new pet and make that pet's life more enjoyable. Yes, it is sad if a pet dies, but we must all die, its the cycle of life! I would not clone my pet if I could.

I think that cloning would affect our ideas of death beacuse we would think that everything could live on forever, and frankly, I don't want to think that I can live forever. Forever is a long time! Think about how boring it would get after a while. I would be bored to death...if only I could die! Like the science fictional characters of vampires, I too would envy "mortals."

Cloning brings up a lot of questions of ethics, but that isn't something I want to get into! What do you guys think about cloning animals?

Ahhh genetics problems!

I'm not sure what to do for questions 6, 7 and 9. I know we went through 7 in class, but I didn't write it down. DOH! Question 3, I have half the work and I can't figure out how to find out the sex of the children. Anyway, I'm not really quite sure where to start on any of those problems. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Genetic Darwinism?

I do not believe that insurance companies should be able to know your genetic information. I think that it should stay private and it is definitely your right to keep your genes to yourself! We may already be subject to medical exams, but what is the point in insurance companies having our genetic information? I feel that if insurance companies had our genetic information they would be essentially be playing a huge role in our society. The companies are controlling what genes gets past on to the next generation. Those that do not get insurance are more likely do die because they will not be able to pay for their medical bill by themselves. Those that do have medical insurance will most likely live longer because they are able to afford the medical care that they need. The insurance companies would be acting as filters for future generations. I don't doubt for one second that the insurance companies would be discriminating against those of us who are predisposed to genetic problems. An insurance company could easily raise the amount you pay for insurance, or they could give those of us who are not predisposed to diseases "discounts," which again would be discriminating against those who are genetically predisposed.

Genetic Testing

This subject is a little tough for me. I think that if it were me having a child and being able to determine if that child has a disease, I would of course want to know, but if it came down to me having to chose to keep that embryo or destroy it, I think I would choose to destroy it. On the other hand, I also feel like destroying an embryo because that child has a disease is wrong. It would also be awesome to pick and chose an eye color for my child, but again, I think the "old fashion" way of having children is the best way to go. I don't have any children, but I do plan on having children, it just seems that the all natural way is the best way, just my opinion! What do you guys think?