Pros And Cons Of Genetic Enhancements

A new epidemic in human reproduction is slowly sweeping the earth, and it is known as human gene alteration. It gives parents the ability to decide their babies' sex, hair color, or even eye color. Creating these so called "designer babies" seems like the perfect way to have the child you have always dreamed of. But is this a moral way to go about reproduction? Is it fair to these children to mess with their genes just for your own satisfaction of having the perfect baby? Gene alteration can also be used in other more beneficial ways. One being to prevent and weed out disease that effects an unborn child. Gene alteration can be very beneficial, but only if used in the right way such as

You are probably familiar with GMO’s (genetically modified organism) and scientifically modified food that has had its DNA changes. There has been debate on GMO’s has been going on for a few decades, whether GMO are safe and even ethical. However, there is another debate that far surpasses GMOs and has a potential to radically shake society: the issue of genetically modifying humans. Changing our DNA could limit health issue or create a new Frankenstein’s monster among humans. Frankenstein had the wrong intent when he set out to create his monster. He only cared about himself and advancing his future. If Genetic engineering is sought after to just create something new there will be another monster. However, genetic can be safe and ethical if its intent and use is for medical purposes. We need to help the sick in society and one way to do that is with genetic engineering. With this purpose genetic engineering is not overstepping our authority like Frankenstein did.

Imagine a world where maladaptive genetic diseases have ceased to exist, parents have the ability to alter and improve their unborn child’s attributes such as height, intelligence, and attractiveness, and each generation becomes healthier, smarter, and stronger. Sounds like an unfeasible utopia, does it not? However, due to scientific advancements in the field of embryonic gene modification, this fantasy may soon become a reality. In a nutshell, embryonic gene modification refers to scientists altering the genome of an embryo in vitro for a multitude of reasons, ranging from eliminating harmful genetic diseases to altering superficial characteristics. Although embryonic gene modification may seem like a dream come true to many, it is not without ethical concerns that require intense debate.

If it is possible to cure genetic disorders in unborn children, then why does this dilemma exist? Designer babies may offer a solution for many parents faced with an uncertain future. The term “Designer Babies” refer to children who develop from embryos that are selected, or genetically modified in vitro (outside of the human body, usually in a laboratory). While emerging technology is constantly improving the daily lives of mankind, the scientists involved in this branch of science have fallen under great scrutiny despite their best effort to contribute to society. As a developing science, the exploration of genetic editing has potential to direct humanity to a radiant future. Financially funding and

Although the intentions of genetically modifying DNA in human embryos is aimed to rid society of genetic defects, it is still essential that this scientific discovery remains ethical. In an article on NPR.org, Rob Stein describes an experiment that scientists have been conducting in which they modify human DNA in order to eliminate life threatening genetic diseases that could be passed on for generations (Stein). In Portland, at Oregon Health & Science University, Paula Amato, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology, explains “that their work is aimed at preventing terrible diseases, not creating genetically enhanced people...much more research is needed to confirm the technique is safe and effective before anyone tries to make a baby this way”(Stein). Because scientists like Amato realize their research is controversial, they are taking every precaution to assure what they are doing is morally correct, they are not intending to corrupt society. Although their intentions are good, it is their job to make sure their research is being used in an ethical way. If not, millions of people, who are already obsessed with the idea of perfection, will be able to do something about

Imagine a newborn baby hasn´t seen the world and never will, because this baby is blind. This child’s parents worry about his/her safety. Throughout their lifetime, this child will have many obstacles. The baby could have been saved if only the family had the resources to genetically modify their baby. Retinal Information Network reports at least 242 cases of hereditary blindness. That baby is one of the 242 cases that could’ve been cured through a new technological process that changes cells in one’s body for better cells. This is genetic modification (also known as genetic engineering). Healthy lab produced cells will replace gene cells that are negative in a personś body. Many diseases can be cured with access to genetic modification. The unhealthy disease cells can be replaced or missing cells can be added to a body. By performing genetic modifications, life spans can be lengthened. Animals and humans could live longer by replacing old cells with new ones. Also, with the assistance of genetic engineering, “super humans” can be created. Heroes with “powers” on t.v. can become a reality.

In recent years genetic modification has been advancing. Genetic modification is when a living organism has been altered to a specific state of characteristics. So far scientist has made one attempt to modify genes from an embryo recently. Whether they were successful or not is question unanswered yet. Gene modification can be great and all. However, is it right to modify genes? Apparently, the population agrees to modify genes since there has been licenses of approval for gene modification. If Society cared about gene modification, then there would be signs of disapproval of gene modification. However, this is viewed morally wrong in my point of view. The pros of modifying genes are that defeating diseases, potential to live longer, genetic diseases, and able to select character traits of babies. The cons of modifying genes are failures on the way to perfecting genetic modification, genetic modification babies can have more greater problems, very expensive, and when does it stop?

Throughout the world, many intelligent minds exist. One, in particular, had something to say about Human genetic engineering. “Nuclear weapons need large facilities, but genetic engineering can be done in a small lab. You cannot regulate every lab in the world. The danger is that either by accident or design, we create a virus that destroys us” (Stephen Hawking). Hawking is considered to be one of the most intelligent people in the modern world. For this reason, his statement is not to be taken with a grain of salt. The concept of Human genetic engineering is surrounded with danger and controversy. There are several different positions on human genetic modification. Conservatives, or Traditionalists believe such innovation or change would be detrimental towards the human race. Conservatives say that families are the foundation of society so changing how families come to be would ultimately tear society apart (Foht). Others say that innovation of such magnitude would act as a boon to the human race. Concerning the danger of genetic engineering, it could definitely become an immense detriment. However, with the correct limitation and government oversight, the human race will benefit from it. Genetically engineering a Human embryo is a step that science will eventually take. Whether it be decades or centuries from now, genetically modified humans will walk the Earth.

New technological advances and scientific methods continue to change the course of nature. One of the current controversial advances in science and technology is the use of genetically modified embryos in which the study exceeds stem cell research. Scientists have begun planning for research involving human embryos in the genetic modification field. Many technological developments are responsible for improving our living standards and even saving lives, but often such accomplishments have troubling cultural and moral ramifications (Reagan, 2015). We are already beyond the days in which virtually the only procreative option was for a man and a woman to conceive the old-fashioned way (Reagan, 2015). Genetic modification of human embryos can be perceived as a positive evolution in the medical process yet it is surrounded by controversy due to ethical processes. Because this form of genetic modification could affect later born children and their offspring, the protection of human subjects should be a priority in decisions about whether to proceed with such research (Dresser, 2004). The term Human Genetic Engineering was originally made public in 1970. During this time there were several methods biologists began to devise in order to better identify or isolate clone genes for manipulation in several species or mutating them in humans.

Genetic enhancement is a debated subject in the scientific and social communities. Some authors, such as Russell Powell, Guy Kahane, and Julian Savulescu claim that selective breeding led to the development of genetic enhancement. Selective breeding is an attempt to bring about desired traits in plants and animals; it is similar to genetic enhancement because both attempt to perfect a certain species (2012). However, selective breeding is not a desired method of genetic enhancement in humans because it relies on sexual aspects. As defined by Chris Gyngell, enhancement is the increase of specific traits (2012). Using Gyngell’s definition of enhancement, genetic enhancement can be defined as the increase of desirable traits in a human being. While scientists may perform tests on animals to assess the safety of genetic enhancements, the goal of genetic enhancement is to perfect the human species. Michael Fuchs, Chris Gyngell, Robert Sparrow, and Russell Powell, Guy Kahane, and Julian Savuescu explore the potential benefits genetic enhancement could create, such as the enhancement of intelligence or creating a more moral society, and the potential risks, such as creating generational barriers or a new species of humans, it may have on future and current generations while discussing how to explore a safe future in it (2010; 2012; 2012; 2012).

In order to prevent unethical and unsafe practices from occurring, genetic manipulation should be strictly regulated. There should be a specific government department that can be in charge of regulating the operation of genetic modification facilities. This new government organization would operate similarly to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) by regulating genetic engineering at every level. Adherence to the code of ethics will be mandatory long before the embryo is allowed to reach the lab. The embryo used for the genetic engineering process will be allowed to do so only if informed consent of the mother is given and the fetus has not yet had a heartbeat. Then as the process continues, the safety of both the mother and eventual baby will be of paramount importance and therefore any practice that violates their safety will be shut down. Parents will also not be allowed to change their developing child for superficial reasons. Manipulation that changes how attractive, intelligent, or athletic the child will be would not be allowed. For if these kinds of traits were changed it would give certain people advantages over others and possible discrimination could ensue. This should also quell some of the controversy over ‘playing God’ by only allowing genetic manipulation to prevent genetic diseases and disorders. Those that do not abide

Within the last 100 years or so scientists have many valuable discoveries that have benefited mankind. These discoveries include the discovery of genes. Scientists have discovered what makes humans so unique from one another. However, with this newly gained knowledge of the function of genes comes the ability to alter or change them. Just imagine in the not so near future, you and your partner want to start a family together. You travel to your local gene councillor to pick the physical and characteristic traits of your child. That’s right. With the knowledge that has been gained about genes, scientists can “create” the perfect child genetically. The thought is scary. Nature has always taken us down the right path but are we really ready

Genetic enhancement has long been a controversial topic between those who believe that enhancing society is beneficial to individuals and those who believe that it is debilitating. With progressive advancements in the medical field, the argument over genetic enhancement has become more complex as there is a constant shift towards genetic self-improvement. Self- improvement is a problem between those who can afford to enhance themselves or their offspring and those who cannot afford to so. While those who oppose genetic enhancement believe that it transforms important features of social life including humility, responsibility and solidarity, those in favor of enhancement believe that it improves what individuals are born with.

In the world today, Ernest Hemingway is known as one of the great classic writers, but this wasn’t always true. Hemingway had already published two books before he finally became well liked with the publish of his book The Sun Also Rises, a novel detailing a group of Americans as they travel to Spain and the struggles they face inwardly. It is a book that is rife with different themes and symbolism, as well as significant to Hemingway’s life and one that speaks of life in the 20’s and what was or was not morally acceptable at the time, particularly concerning gender roles.

Genetic engineering is the process whereby new DNA is added or existing DNA is altered in an organism 's genome. This may involve changing one base pair (A-T or C-G) or deleting entire sections of DNA or adding additional copies of a gene. This results in creating new traits that were not previously present in the organism’s genome. This is done to selectively breed desired traits or to create plants with increased resistance to pesticides and increased tolerance to herbicides. For example insulin is a protein that regulates sugar content in our blood and is produced normally in the pancreas. Genetic engineering is used to produce a form of insulin that is similar to yeast and bacterial cells. This genetically engineered insulin is called