At Issue Series - Cloning (paperback edition)

The first successful cloning of a mammal from an adult cell has raised numerous ethical questions concerning the possible use of this procedure on humans. Some welcome the new technology to aid infertile couples. Others oppose the cloning of humans.

Gr 7 Up-With new developments being announced almost daily, animal cloning and the possibility of cloned humans are hot topics. This book presents 13 essays that expose the main points of the debate. The first five raise religious and moral objections to human cloning. The remaining eight promote continued experimentation with animals and some downplay opposition fears while stating the inevitability of human cloning. A segment of an interview with Ian Wilmut, a key figure in the first successful cloning of Dolly the sheep, comes down on the side of animal research, but firmly opposes such work on humans. A generous listing of "Organizations to Contact," a good supplementary periodical bibliography, and an index enhance the accessibility of the essays. The book portion of the bibliography includes a couple of introductory-level volumes, but most entries are highly technical. Several other titles presenting arguments on both sides of this issue were published in 1998. It is likely that this volume includes the same variety of views as may be found in any collection of essays on cloning.-Ann G. Brouse, Big Flats Branch Library, NY

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.