Genetic Engineering Ethics

The Declaration of Independence describes individual rights as “the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Congress). These inalienable rights are threatened by genetic modification. Specifically, Tony Wang, in his research on the ethics of genetic

There have been many advances in genetic applications over the years. These improvements have sparked a slather of controversy throughout the nation. While some are excited about the realm of possibilities genetic engineering provides, most have a hard time finding the morality of it. Genetic engineering focuses on the physical and intellectual parts of life, it does not take into account the emotional and relational aspects. We need to be aware of the unintended social, personal, and cultural consequences genetic engineering provide before we continue to make harmful advances.

Genetic engineering is the figurehead of the ethical concerns of scientists in the 21st century. Nothing is more engrossed with criticism and dislike than the idea of altering the baseline for living organisms. Many people are skeptical of genetic engineering due to the versatility it exhibits. A scientist could use a genetic editing tool, such as CRISPR, to remove the genes for a hereditary disease in an embryo, but they could also utilize it to alter the physical characteristics of a human baby. This thought provoked the flood gates of ethics to unleash a multitude of unanswered questions and concerns about the usage and further development of genetic engineering. The field of genetic engineering is

The ethical debate concerning biotechnological exploration into genetic cloning has created a monster in itself. A multitude of ethical questions arises when considering the effect of creating a genetically engineered human being. Does man or science have the right to create life through unnatural means? Should morality dictate these technological advancements and their effects on society? The questions and concerns are infinite, but so to are the curiosities, which continue to perpetuate the advancement of biotechnological science. In order to contemplate the effects that science can have on our society we can look back in history and literature to uncover the potentiality of our future

In society, newly introduced ideas and morals are viewed upon with mixed feelings, including the process of genetic modification, which has yet to prosper or to crumple. The topic of genetic modification is introduced and detailed upon within the articles “Expert Groups Says Embryo Genetic Modification Should Be Allowed” by Will Dunham and “UK Scientists Seek Permission to Genetically Modify Human Embryos” by Ian Sample. They delve upon the idea that the process of genetic modification can be appropriately used in which to prevent certain unnecessary and unwanted diseases from developing, ultimately saving lives, and can provide further insight for human development. Additionally, they discuss the point that genetic modification is still at

We could debate about whether using genetic engineering beyond that is suitable, but certainly should be used for medical circumstances. And as far as ethical goes, I believe it is. A lot of people say god created us, and we should live the way we are made. However god also gave us this world to learn and nurture, and if god truly exists wouldn’t he want us to better ourselves? Create a better life for unborn

Following the background and history of genetic engineering and eugenics, it can definitely be seen why ethicists and scientists are concerned. The concept and idea of passing on heritable traits was introduced by English naturalist Charles Darwin in his work The Origins of Species in 1859. Soon to

As time progresses mankind continues to explore inward to discover more about our species and further our knowledge on the genetic blueprint of a human being. The Human Genome Project did just that. Through one of the greatest projects in history, we have already been able to further our knowledge on humans and map out all of the human genes (genome), and there is much more to come. But with this new knowledge comes a plethora important ethical questions regarding if what we are doing is right. A lot of ethical issues are questioned in areas such as in vitro fertilization, genetic counseling, prenatal testing for developmental defects, abortion, prenatal surgery, and care of extremely premature or severely handicapped infants.

Genetic engineering has been the subject of controversy since it first started. There is a lot of fear and concern surrounding the possibilities it presents. It is difficult to make ethical decisions about genetic engineering because if offers opportunities to solve many genetic problems such as hereditary diseases. The consequences are positive and negative, but there is no way to determine which will have a greater impact. Genetic engineering could lead to new treatments for hereditary diseases, but it could also have long-term adverse effects. Although there are benefits to genetic engineering, the negative side cannot be overlooked.

Because of the positive results that genetic engineering in humans has brought up, it is just to say, human genetic engineering is both helpful and ethical. With this advanced technology, death in newborns will decrease and more lives will be saved. Just like everything, however, the power of human genetic engineering should be used moderately and smartly. With the use of modifying genes the people will live healthier lives.

The genetic modification or genetic engineering of organisms is ethically correct. Genetics is the study of heredity and the similarities and differences between organisms due to their genes and their environment (Dictionary.com, 2016). At a cellular level, genes are made up of DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) which act as instructions for amino acids to form molecules (proteins). DNA is inherited from the parent/s. At a physiological level, these proteins allow for certain functions to occur. Organisms have small differences in their DNA that contribute to different features (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2016). Through scientific methods, procedures and technologies, genetic modification or genetic engineering can be achieved

We currently possess the knowledge of how to use recombinant DNA, but instead of not using that knowledge, the knowledge should be used as long as moral and ethical boundaries are kept in place. There’s no doubt that the GM food supply should be closely monitored and regulated, but that does not mean that it should be banned. The Genetic Engineering of plants, animals, and humans has much to offer as long as we are sure of the potential benefits and side effects of its

However, today is only today, and the technology of tomorrow will be a different story. In just the last few years, we have witnessed a surge in biotech research that unleashed a myriad of applications namely in, health care, pharmaceutical, agricultures in order to condition the quality of life. Biotechnology will only continue to advance and possibly rapidly in order to develop “better resistance to bacterial, diseases, viruses, or hostile environments” to aid human welfare (Harris). The individual’s needs, values, and priorities vary, therefore, leads to differing views regarding the limits that should be placed on genetic engineering. For some, the genetic engineering is an inevitable advancement that does not put their moral principles at risk (Harris). But for others, the modification of genomes may affect their moral principles (Wade). In addition, there are opponents who strongly object to certain applications of genetic modification, but more accepting of others. Nevertheless, with the complexity of the notions concerning genetic modification cause establishing ethical boundaries difficult to attain, or even discuss. Knowledge will also continue to emerge, and circumstances will arise, in which will cause our current conventions obsolete. However, progress needs to be made regarding this issue, for the sake of human welfare. The dilemma is making the decision of when the potential

Mapping for genes that can cause cancer, for example, and eradicating them makes sense and is socially beneficial. However, it can have social consequences. For instance, if a parent decides not to apply genetic modification and has a genetically, natural abnormal child such as one with Down 's Syndrome, then they may be criticized and ostracized by not following the trend of choosing a genetically modified baby. Those with disabilities will be discriminated against more heavily, and the elimination of these genes will “[. . .] lead to a decrease in services and treatments available for individuals with those disabilities. Given the potential discrimination and inequality issues that PGD may

One of the biggest pictures that are against genetic engineering is that humans are not supposed to play the role of God. DNA is a unique thing to every person. Bioengineering itself involves the very technical aspects of modification, and the enhancement of stem cells or DNA and this process can change the human structure. “The progress of civilization has been having been largely dependent upon the out ‘interference with nature’.”(Encyclopedia of Applied Plant Sciences).