A recent letter to the editor (“Consumers should reject cloned products,” Voice of the people, Jan. 9) questioned the health of animals bred through animal-cloning technology. The letter may have left readers with the mistaken impression that cloning technology is dangerous for animals. The reality is, after a rigorous review of the technology, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that cloned animals are as healthy as conventional animals.
Research has shown that cloning is no more invasive or risky than other accepted forms of assisted reproductive technology, such as embryo transfer and in-vitro fertilization. There are no unique health risks to either mother or offspring from animal cloning technology. Studies by the National Academy of Sciences have found that within hours of birth, there are no health differences between clones and non-clones.
In fact, cloning technology can actually enhance an animal’s overall well-being. Cloning allows farmers and ranchers to improve the health and disease-resistance of an animal. This technology has the potential to greatly reduce animal suffering.
Using the tools of biotechnology to produce more desirable and healthier farm animals is not a new practice. Animal cloning is the latest step in a long history of breeding tools for farmers and ranchers. This new technology can enable farmers and ranchers to consistently produce healthier animals, which will continue to provide us with an abundant supply of healthy and safe foods.
Editor’s note: Readers may now post comments on letters to the editor that have been published in the Chicago Tribune by visiting chicagotribune.com/letters
