Human Gene Therapy Ethical Report

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

One of the most famous quotes from the movie “Jurassic Park” states as follows, “Yeah, yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, that they did not stop to think if they should.” This quote by Jeff Goldblum not only interprets his characters wit, but also sparks an interesting debate. “Jurassic Park” brings the idea of genetic modification to people’s attention in an entertaining way. Amazingly, scientists and geneticists are able to alter specific genes, much like in the movie. Many benefits from altering genes exist, but some are viewed as morally unacceptable.

Worryingly, there has been minimal public debate regarding this technology that could irreversibly alter the human race. Instead, ethical discourse has been largely contained to scientific and political circles. It is extremely problematic that a large majority of the general public is unaware of the research and debate regarding human gene modification. In addition, the current debate has stagnated, with researchers and politicians being unable to find any common ground. However, upon close examination of the three main ideological groups within this controversy, a key similarity becomes apparent: each group, regardless of whether they are proponents or opponents of human gene

In it’s initial chapters, this book pay close attention to the medicine and science behind human genome modification. This sets the foundation for the ethical and religious concerns that are discussed later in the book regarding the issue. The idea of altering the genome for the purpose of human enhancements is also addressed in the book. The author concludes by offering a list of regulatory options.

Gene technology carries with it social and ethical implications—many of which engender personal views and discussion.

It has been the center of controversies and has come under fire from scientific communities, political leaders, religious leaders, and public interest groups. Ethical and moral issues have been the leading causes of this controversial topic from the scientific community, political leaders, and religious leaders. However, fear, misinformation, or lack of knowledge about gene manipulation or genetic engineering seems to be the leading concerns of public interest

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

disease found in society today. The process of genetic editing, as described in the report, is also

In the recent years there has been a new technology created, called CRISPR-Cas, that allows for gene-editing in germline cells to potentially treat or prevent genetic diseases and conditions. There has already been uses of this technology in clinical trials to edit immune cells that treat cancer. While this sounds like something that would be a fantastic idea it is very controversial and raises concerns of whether it is ethical or not. As of right now, we should be able to edit our cells, but only somatic cell and not our germ line cells.

Four strong criticism of the report is the nature of gene therapy is irreversible, and the potential effects on genes and informed consent (or lack thereof), and the risk of harm. According to the criticism of the report of the first two potential gene therapy fallout from a social perspective, while the second two focus more on the individual (s) who will be the use of

Gene therapy is legal in the U.S. but all of its experiments and equipment are under close examination by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although gene therapy is not illegal in the U.S. some federal laws have placed restrictions on funding and use, under Congress's power to spend. It is banned in many countries but mainly for strong ethical views scientists, doctors, priests, and the common people hold.

There are two types of gene therapy: somatic gene therapy (SGT) and germline gene therapy (GGT). SGT involves treating a single individual by transferring therapeutic genes into somatic cells, most commonly bone marrow. GGT inserts genes into reproductive cells or embryos to fix genetic defects in the germ line. In other words, the genetic makeup of future generations is changed to prevent the recurrence of certain genetic disorders. Although gene therapy as a whole is controversial, germline gene therapy especially raises ethical concerns because it is capable of manipulating the human genome of a germ line. First, the risk is without the consent of future generations, and second, it may dangerously lead to genetic enhancement. Genetic enhancement has its own set of ethical issues, ranging from eugenics and social discrimination to messing with nature. Therefore, the potential consequences of gene therapy have raised a hotly contested bioethical question of whether gene therapy should be allowed in the future.

On the most surface level, human genetic engineering and human genetic modification are a new and rapidly developing field of science that deals with directly altering the DNA (genetic makeup) of a living human cell. From early science fiction to the present day, taking control of humans’ gen es and directing the flow of evolution has been a subject of debate for many people. Human genetic engineering or HGE tends to bring up thoughts of dystopian futures where altering DNA has unexpectedly resulted in horrible mutant humans that can’t survive and thus the human race perishes, but this is not necessarily the outcome. Since genetic engineering is an emerging field of science, there are still many moral and ethical issues that need to be addressed before continuing research. Atheists and theists both have valid reasons to support / resist the continuation of this field of science. For the purpose of this paper, it will be assumed the reader has a reasonable understanding of the terms atheism, theism, DNA, genes, genome, and how a persons DNA (their genotype) essentially dictates the physical appearance and abilities that person portrays (their phenotype).

Biotechnology interventions are used to advance human brains and our future to the extreme. The process of genetic engineering is very unpredictable and dramatic that it will have a major effect on its environment. Human genetic manipulation is considered unethical and dangerous for the most part. Human genetic alteration is illegal in many countries, but it is used in some places to cure gene diseases. The process of changing the genetic DNA of when a baby is born can be passed down the line of the persons. Swapping bad and unwanted genes for a better one is part of the process. There are many potential advantages gained from this operation as well as some dangers. Considering the ethical implications of the gene enhancement the result might cause a gene problem. The advanced technology application can make a huge different especially improving the quality of a human being by fixing an unwanted and inheritable gene defects. Many people are affected

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was discovered in 1944 by Avery and colleagues. Avery identified DNA as the primary genetic material. Watson and Crick later discovered the double helix structure of DNA. Leder and co-workers deciphered the triple nucleotide code that designated the amino acids from which proteins were built. The science of molecular biology was born (Sokol, Gewirtz, 1996). In 1990 a four year old girl who was suffering from severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) was the first to undergo gene therapy. White blood cells were removed from the girl and the cells were inserted with normal copies of the defective gene and returned into the girls circulation. Her condition improved with four treatments and