Today’s culture has a growing fascination with biotechnology and genetic engineering. This is especially true within the field of reproductive technology. Advancements in this field has expanded family options significantly with the advent of reproductive technologies such as in vetro fertilization, embryo transplant, and varying genetic testing and screening (Finsterbusch, 2008). However, what drives humanity to want to modify humankind? Should there be limits placed on these modifications? And, how far should we really go?
According to the President’s Council on Bioethics, the completion of the DNA sequencing phase of the Human Genome Project, as well as the advancement of stem cell research, has given genetic and reproductive science
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The primary purpose of this reproduction technology is to detect the presence or absence of genetic or chromosomal abnormalities before conception (Finsterbusch, 2008). This technology could essentially limit potential adverse diseases and abnormalities at conception. For example, a couple who wanted to have a baby but knew they had a risk for genetic disease, could opt for IVF to allow embryo screening prior to transfer, preventing the need for prenatal screening, possible abortion, or risking birth to a baby with genetic deficits (Finsterbusch, 2008).
Reproductive and genetic technologies such as embryo screening prior to transfer would move from potential disease and genetic deficits to baby enhancement with minimal to no risk to the mother, thus allowing infertile couples to not only conceive, but further giving them the potential to achieve healthy and genetically sound babies (Schäfer, Baumann, & Kettner, 1996). Furthermore, technologies such as prenatal screenings, allow couples to make informed decisions on whether to terminate a genetically abnormal fetus keeping risk to the mother at a minimal and alleviating a burden not only to the parents, but society as a whole. Lastly, this technology provides advanced genetic knowledge that can allow for
Modern technologies are constantly advancing in a multitude of ways to the degree that scientists have gained enough knowledgeable about the human genome to be able to find specific genes during the embryonic stage of reproduction. Scientists have already begun to use this knowledge to allow parents the ability to select the sex of their child and screen for genetic diseases via preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Sex-selection has already created world-wide discussion regarding the ethics of such a situation. However, scientists are now looking toward germline engineering which will essentially allow parents to select and alter genetic traits of their children before implantation of the embryo into
This can come as a blessing to some couple who have a high genetic genes for certain diseases. This has also, helped couples who have very sever fertility issues. There are new techniques being used for genetic screening right now. The process works when an embryo can be selected by sex and then checked for a number certain disease-bearing genes on it. This can lead to either a pre-implantation stage when using In Vitro Fertilization, only
Embryonic tissue that was removed is first tested for genetic abnormalities. This is done so that the healthiest embryos are frozen and implanted. Dr. Timothy Yeko, a medical director of the assisted reproductive technology program at the Reproductive Medicine Group in Tampa, talked about the genetic testing, “ Most of our patients now choose to have this genetic testing, which has come into widespread use in the past year or so. By doing this , the miscarriage rate has dropped by 50 percent because the genetically abnormal embryos are the ones that end in miscarriage.”
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 principle of nonmaleficence, to do no harm, in reproductive technology can be applied to the prospective parents and the prospective child-the embryo. The procedures involved in attempting to impregnate a woman can be physically and emotionally damaging, but rewarding if done successfully. But the parties must first determine to what extent and at what cost will they risk to achieve their ultimate goal. It would cause great harm physically to the embryos if there were multiple unsuccessful attempts, but many would argue that the end outweighs the means, that it is worth it if the result was a viable pregnancy and healthy child.
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
While saving lives is an attractive prospect, several ethical objections have been raised. Firstly, it may be wrong to make major changes to human DNA at all, as it alters the innate nature of humanity. Secondly, the technology has the potential to be used for other, controversial purposes, such as manufacturing humans or enhancing traits. These ethical concerns must be weighed against the benefits of developing this
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.
In the United States, an estimated 2.3 million couples are considered infertile [Wekesser, 1996]. This creates a large need for infertility specialists and clinics specializing in fertility treatments. With the quickly advancing field of rep roductive services and the quest for creating better, healthier babies, a new service called Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is being offered in conjunction with In vitro fertilization.
In many cases natural conception, where the sperm from the male meets the matured female egg fails to work – the female does not get pregnant. Often after multiple failed attempts In-virto (IVF) is a viable option in order for a successful pregnancy to take place. The process of IVF involves an egg or multiple eggs from the woman’s ovaries and then fertilised by their male partners sperm in a laboratory. The fertilised egg, which should now have become a embryo is then transferred back into the woman’s womb to develop and grow. Any remaining eggs can then be frozen for future use. 1 In some cases during the process of IVF, multiple factors can lead to a couple to opt for the additional treatment of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD is the process of removing a cell from a IVF embryo to test for a specific genetic condition (passed on my either parent) due to chromosomal abnormalities (i.e. cystic fibrosis) prior to it been transferred back in to the woman’s uterus for pregnancy. The process of PGD increases the chance of producing a healthy baby from the eggs produced during IVF. 2
When parents know the fetus is “special”, they may be chosen to terminate the pregnancy. Thus, in general prenatal screening helps to detect congenital disabilities but is also thought to be the 'remedy' selective abortion (Seller, 1976).
What if you could have your child born to be the best? Children are the number one priority and concern when it comes to the future of this world. The relationship between the ethical and scientifical standpoints has had a complex history. Although the murderous Nazi experimentations executed in the name of science are near 70 years behind us, science has continuously crossed new boundaries. The most prominent advancement in science that is currently forcing society to reassess ethical boundaries is genetic engineering. Genetic engineering, also known as GMO, is the direct manipulation of an organism’s genome using modern DNA technology. It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes
Thousands of years ago, humans were pushing the limits of technology through agriculture in ways such as domesticating animals or making the wheel. Today our dedication to understanding and trying to control the world is leading us to engage in controversial topics and ethical debates. Curiosity is one of our race 's greatest gifts but, it is also a curse on the human population. The classic story of Frankenstein by Mary Shelly showed a scientist 's curiosity leading to a monstrous creation. This story was science fiction in the past, but in modern times it is closer to becoming a reality. Advances in technology are creating new possibilities in science, including the idea of manipulating human genes through the process of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering is revolutionizing and reshaping modern medicine and agriculture. While genetic engineering is leading to many innovations and discoveries in science, there are still questions in society regarding the ethics of testing and manipulating humans.
Artificial reproductive technology (ART) is defined as procedures which stimulate a woman 's ovaries to produce eggs, the eggs are then removed, combined with sperm, and then returned to a woman 's body (Bell, 2016). ART is becoming more and more popular throughout that globe. This method of conceiving children gives women who may be struggling with infertility options that were not possible before the advent of such methods. ART is relevant to the sociological definition of global health because it is evidence of the fact that our world has become interdependent especially when it comes to medical technology. However with ART comes the notion of the culture of disguise and in many countries this is an integral part of artificial reproductive technology process. With that being said, sociologists should look to study and understand the culture of disguise in ART as it pertains to global health and it shapes interactions between people and the society they live in.
The reproductive revolution is upon us. The past half-century has seen the development of reproductive technologies previous generations could not even imagine. The term reproductive technology refers to various medical procedures that are designed to alleviate infertility, or the inability of a couple to produce a child of their own. These include artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (or "test-tube" babies), and surrogate motherhood. These technologies have radically expanded human control over the biological process, and have been designed both to prevent and to