Module 1-Part 5 Assignment_Allie Wijntjes

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Feb 20, 2024

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Module 1: Part 5 Assignment Applying Dorbin's 8 Questions to Resolve an Ethical Dilemma Name: Allison Wijntjes 1. What is the ethical dilemma? Utilizing CRIPSR technology that has not been FDA approved for genetically modifying Jennifer's unfertilized eggs, with the potential of her unborn child having unknown health effects as part of the experimental procedure. 2. Regarding this ethical dilemma, what is one choice that Jennifer can make? Jennifer could decide to go ahead with the procedure to use CRISPR for removing the Huntingtons gene from her eggs and have the baby after performing the experiemental procedure 3. Regarding the ethical dilemma, what is another choice that Jennifer, can make? Jennifer could decide to not have the experimental procedure done, knowing that her unborn child could have the same genetic disease she does leading to her child to also develop Huntington's disease. 4. What is a fact about genetically manipulating human eggs with CRISPR that is relevant to solve the dilemma? CRISPR technology was approved recently by the FDA in Decmeber 2023 to treat sickle cell disease, as the first approval of CRISPR technology for gene editing for blood disease. Currently there is no FDA approved CRISPR treatment approved on the market for neurodenergative dieases, like Huntington's. 5. What is a fact about Huntington's Disease that is relevant to solving the dilemma? The mutation in the gene responsible for Huntington's Disease (HTT), is autosomal dominant, meaning that if the parent has Huntington's, there is a 50% chance the offspring will inherit the mutation as well. 6. List one fact that you do not know about CRISPR. The potential long term side effects known to be associated with CRISPR technology are
not well known as well as the probability of having off target gene editing occur. 7. What can you assume about this fact about CRISPR that you do not know about? CRISPR has been recently approved for sickle cell disease for two drugs, so the clinical results produced by Vertex therapeutics and Bluebird Bio must have been statistically significant to show the benefits of the therpay outwiegh the risks caused by the therapies in patients. 8. List one fact that you do not know about Huntington's Disease. I do not know the probability of someone with Huntington's disease dying. 9. What can you assume about this fact about Huntington's Disease that you do not know about? Most likely the probability of dying with Huntington's disease is higher compared to someone who does not have the mutated gene. 10. What do all these facts about CRISPR and Huntington's Disease mean? Facts by themselves have no meaning. You need to interpret the information in light of the values that are important to you. The facts about CRISPR and Huntington's disease mean that the quality of life could be improved significantly with a successful procedure performed with Jennifer's eggs. The known symptoms of Huntington's disease and the high probability of Jennfier passing her genetic mutation to her child, make it hard to ignore the high chance her child will also develop the same devastating symptoms. CRSIPR is an approved technology for blood cancers on the market today, showing the promise that is technology has for other theraputic areas. 11. What does the problem look like through the eyes of the people involved? The ability to walk in another’s shoes is essential. Understanding the problem through a variety of perspectives increases the possibility that you will choose wisely. Describe what the problem looks like through the eyes of Jennifer's mother? Through the eyes of Jennifer, this is a difficult decision to make. Having a child is a big life decision no matter what, even without knowing the child could inherit the same genetic mutation she has. Having a child without the procedure knowing, the reason why her child could have Huntington's could come with guilt and extra support/care needed to help in her unborn child's middle age. If the procedure goes poorly or has unknown side effects, this could also come with guilt/sadness. Being a mother comes with responisbility and love, so having a child of her own allows Jennifer to be the mom she always wanted to be. Her belief of only having a child that is her own flesh and
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