In 1816, Mary Shelley wrote her famous horror novel Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus. In this story, a young scientist became so obsessed with his mother’s death that he began passionately studying all aspects of science in hope of finding a way to recreate life from death. After months of research involving cadavers and other experiments, Victor moved closer and closer to his ambition, never once pausing to consider the consequences. It was not until Victor’s creation, which stood over eight feet tall, opened his eyes that Victor fully understood exactly what it was that he accomplished. In horror, he ran away, leaving his “child” on his own. The creature tried to assimilate himself into humanity, but due to his horrific appearance, no one would accept him. The creature then turned on his maker, killing every member of Victor’s family in an attempt to force Victor to make another like him, a companion. Victor refused, setting up a classic confrontation of man versus “beast.” Among the many themes of the novel was the idea that just because you can do something does not mean it should be done.

With that in mind, another type of scientific experiment has sparked international intrigue and debate. Even though a November poll indicates that two-thirds of American respondents are “uncomfortable” with the idea of animal cloning, scientists continue to successfully experiment with cloning a variety of animals, including sheep, dogs, cats and mice over the past few years. In addition, two Texas groups, Encore Genetics and ViaGen, have just successfully cloned a champion-breeding mare.

ViaGen’s track record in animal cloning is unsurpassed, boasting over 20 years of experience in the industry. The company has successfully produced clones in 7 different species. Currently, they provide commercial cloning services for horses, cattle and pigs. In addition, ViaGen is the only group outside of Australia or New Zealand with the rights to clone horses using technology that was patented by the infamous Roslin Institute (”Dolly the Sheep”).

“Cloning offers horse breeders a unique opportunity to develop the best possible livestock,” said Mark Walton, President of ViaGen. “The ability to reproduce a prize-winning mare, stallion or gelding is a tremendously valuable tool.”

Cloning offers horse breeders a unique opportunity to develop the best possible livestock,” said Mark Walton, President of ViaGen “The ability to reproduce a prize-winning mare, stallion or gelding is a tremendously valuable tool.”"We’re thrilled to be teaming up with ViaGen, and our clients are excited about the opportunity to reproduce their best performance and breeding animals,” said Dr. Brad Stroud of Encore. Encore Genetics serves a worldwide base of horse breeders interested in preserving the superior genetics of their stock and producing animals that are genetically identical to top performers in both the show arena and the breeding barn.

It has been said that safely cloning humans will be possible in the near future, which begs the question why? Is this a case where science may outwit itself?

There may be some advantages to cloning humans though. The 2005 movie The Island featured clones grown specifically as “spare parts.” In medical cases where a compatible organ or bone marrow transplant would be needed to save a life, a “perfect” donor would be readily available. In the Star Wars films Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002) and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005), clones were used as disposable military grunts and shock troopers. If such a renewable resource were available now, what might that mean for the soldiers currently involved in the War on Terror?

There may be personal rewards also. In the 1996 film Multiplicity, Michael Keaton’s character had a clone to go to work for him, a clone to do the housework, a clone to cook for the family and so on. It might leave a person with far more free time to pursue other interests after he steps away from both the corporate rat race and the potentially monotonous chores of daily life.

However, those ideas would be only advantageous if one were to see a clone as a possession. A clone would then be someone who would do whatever “service” his or her master required. It would not matter if that service were mundane, like cooking and cleaning, or significant, like surrendering an organ on command. Would a clone be considered a living breathing human being or just a disposable genie used to fulfill wishes? If a clone were to be considered a living being, then he would be entitled to the same rights and privileges as any one else. If a clone were known as a “citizen,” at what stage of maturation would it be considered “human?” Would the rights of the clone be classified similarly to that of the unborn fetus?

On the other hand, would the clone become human only when it is a perfect replica? What would happen to the imperfect copies then? Even the best of recent experiments have boasted a success rate of 10%. That leaves a number of “mistakes” to take into account. Then there is the religious aspect of the issue. Considering how many religions have intense beliefs about equating oneself as an equal to any god, as well as the issue of preserving the sanctity of the “soul,” how large a sin would cloning living beings be? Moreover, what might the repercussions of that “sin” become?

There are far too many unresolved questions and not enough answers to this issue. Young Victor Frankenstein was so caught up in the excitement of his feat that he never considered the aftermath. Modern science may be in danger of falling into the same trap. There are too many problems and concerns in this world regarding people of all races, genders, religions and the like learning to properly respect each other’s individuality without adding Xeroxed humans into the mix. The creation of life is one concept science will hopefully leave to nature. Discretion is often the better part of valor, and hopefully science will be brave enough to know when to step away.