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Related Experiment Videos

Twins: A cloning experience.

Barbara Prainsack1, Tim D Spector

  • 1Department of Political Science, University of Vienna, A-1010 Wien/Vienna, Austria. barbara.prainsack@univie.ac.at

Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|August 1, 2006
PubMed
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Genetically identical twins do not attribute great significance to genes in defining their bond. Concerns about human reproductive cloning are often abstract, with personal reactions intensifying when scenarios become relatable.

Area of Science:

  • Behavioral Genetics
  • Human Reproductive Cloning Ethics
  • Twin Studies

Background:

  • Monzygotic (identical) twins share 100% of their genes, providing a unique model for understanding genetic identity.
  • The ongoing debate on human reproductive cloning necessitates exploring societal and individual perceptions.
  • Previous research often focuses on genetic determinism, overlooking subjective experiences of genetic identity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the lived experiences and perceptions of genetic identity among monozygotic twins.
  • To examine attitudes towards human reproductive cloning, particularly concerning the concept of being genetically identical.
  • To understand how identical twins perceive their genetic makeup's role in their bond and individuality.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Qualitative interviews were conducted with monozygotic twins.
  • Dizygotic twins and singletons were included as control groups.
  • Participants were drawn from the TwinsUK register in London.

    • Main Results:

    • Respondents did not ascribe significant importance to genes in defining their twin identity.
    • Concerns about reproductive cloning interfering with nature or divine will were primarily abstract.
    • Relatability of cloning scenarios to personal life-worlds decreased the prevalence of abstract objections.
    • All groups found the idea of being born into a different twin group (e.g., fraternal instead of identical) to be unusual.
    • Participants expressed dislike for cloning scenarios based on the potential motives of the cloners.

    Conclusions:

    • The subjective experience of genetic identity is not solely determined by genetic relatedness.
    • Attitudes towards human reproductive cloning are influenced by the perceived personal relevance of the scenario.
    • Individuals created through cloning might face complex psychological challenges related to their origin and perceived individuality.