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Genetic Modification Should Be Supported By The Government

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We’ve all heard innumerable stories of half-humans and shapeshifters, transgenesis and cyborging, genetic superpowers and mutations. The concept of genetically engineering humans was once confined to the world of fiction, but now those once impossible ideas have seemingly become attainable. Female scientists in the United States and Sweden recently discovered CRISPR-Cas9, a sophisticated gene-snipping technology that is much easier and cheaper than other methods. This sudden development has motivated many to start experimenting, and researchers have been able to stop cancer cells from multiplying, make cells impenetrable to the HIV virus, and create a fungus-resistant wheat that could solve world hunger. Overwhelmed by this advancement, …show more content…

Most people die from sickness or have relatives that do, since genetic mutations directly cause many anomalies and greatly contribute to others. It is even estimated that, “About 4,000 diseases have been traced to gene disorders. Current and possible candidates for gene therapy include cancer, AIDS, cystic fibrosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig 's disease), cardiovascular disease and arthritis” (“Gene Therapy”). There are myriad genetic disorders, and even more people who could be helped with gene alteration. Theoretically, gene therapy could be used to replace any protein imaginable, making it an effective treatment for a multitude of genetic defects. Many different ailments are severely affecting the quality of life of those burdened with them, and now there may be a way to help. In fact, they may even be entitled to it, as the Declaration of Independence states, “[everyone is] endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (US 1776). Everybody has the right to live without fear or threat, no matter where it stems from. Inherited diseases are a great threat to the wellbeing of many, and were originally impossible to relieve. Now that treatment is available, those who are plagued by life-threatening illnesses ought to have the right to live normally

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