Every single person on this planet is genetically flawed. Research shows that the average person can have hundreds of errors in their genetic code. Though these errors tend to leave the individual unharmed, many still suffer the consequences of faulty genes. Some of these consequences can be mild, such as color blindness. Other disorders, however, can cause extreme suffering for those affected. Genetic disorders such as Hemophilia, Progeria, Cystic Fibrosis, etc. cause a lifetime of misery for hundreds of thousands of people around the world. I want to be a part of the movement that not only improves the lives of those with genetic disorders but also works towards eliminating genetic disorders as a whole. Though the idea of eradicating genetic
The last 150 years have seen the origin of—and rapid expansion in—human knowledge involving the nature and mechanisms of trait and disease inheritance in human beings. Advances in genetic research hold great promise for the future development of effective prevention and treatment strategies for a great many, often devastating, heritable conditions. However, these advances also raise a series of policy, legal and fundamentally ethical questions concerning what we should and should not do with the knowledge and technology we acquire. These questions are numerous and both imminently practical and speculative, ranging from the exhausted, yet still largely unresolved, question of the moral status of the human embryo to fears about slippery slopes into a Brave New World or Gattaca-style dystopic future characterized by designer children and a genetic underclass.
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 treatment is costly and only available in clinical trials, gene therapy has treated some of the most known diseases, like Parkinson’s disease. People who are for gene therapy believe that it will change our world by getting rid of sickness. They think of a world without cancer and Parkinson’s disease. However, the people against gene therapy see a world with technology overtaking civilization. In their eyes, they think that gene therapy is wrong because of the side effects and the concept behind it. In addition, when thinking about gene therapy, the opposers conjecture that changing the genetic makeup of someone affected with genetic illness is wrong. I, on the other hand, believe that changing the genetic makeup of someone that is ill and suffering is exceptional because it is to their advantage. All in all, gene therapy is a heavily debated topic, but I believe that gene therapy can change our world in a positive
There are many incurable diseases in the world that affect an organism’s way of living. Cystic Fibrosis, a disease with no known cure, affects 1 out of 3600 Canadian child’s digestive system and lungs, while a person with sickle cell anemia is only expected to live forty to sixty years. Both of these diseases are similar in the way that they are inherited genetically; they are passed on from parents to their children. Scientists are producing a way to help these people called Genetic Engineering. This is a way of modifying an organism’s genome to produce a more desirable trait by manually adding new DNA.
Genetic engineering has been the subject of controversy since it first started. There is a lot of fear and concern surrounding the possibilities it presents. It is difficult to make ethical decisions about genetic engineering because if offers opportunities to solve many genetic problems such as hereditary diseases. The consequences are positive and negative, but there is no way to determine which will have a greater impact. Genetic engineering could lead to new treatments for hereditary diseases, but it could also have long-term adverse effects. Although there are benefits to genetic engineering, the negative side cannot be overlooked.
Every year 7.8 million children are born with a serious birth defect of genetic or partly genetic origin. (The Global Toll of Birth Defects) Imagine if this number could be halved or even reduced to a quarter of the original number. Should we not try to reduce this number? It is in our best interests to do so. The most effective way to do that is through gene editing.
1. Human life is qualitatively different because human life is made in the image and likeness of God from the moment of conception.
This is why I am become passionate about the therapeutic potential of genetic research. I don't want to see other people have to undergo the same helplessness - I want them to know that there is indeed a possibility for a cure. I am convinced that research in the field of genetics is the future of biological science and medical research, and I want to be at the forefront of this revolution.
DNA code for certain traits. Imagine the opportunity to eliminate all genetic disease with a few
In order to eliminate this, implementing policies on genetic research must be upheld containing the extent to which society is willing to allow the change in the population. Scientific experimentation will forever grow. The possibility to completely diminish science and research is slim. A solution to this would be enacting rules and regulations. These regulations will limit to only testing on humans for necessary causes such as disability or disease. If a life remains at risk, the genetic screens should proceed. However, if for cosmetic reasons, the Human Genome Project needs to draw the line. Extra funding allow this solution to take off. “[T]he Human Genome Project will likely pay for itself many times over on an economic basis,” (“Human Genome Project Completion: Frequently Asked Questions.”). If in startling economic standing, why not put more of an effort towards ethical considerations and regulations? With this solution, insurance companies can now back patients regardless of potential risks. Children and adults will also experience diversity. Exposure to varying personalities and handicapped individuals can increase. This solution inevitably benefits everyone. It will teach society to embrace one’s self and flaws. Flaws can transform into more respectful attributes. A solution that benefits everyone does the greatest amount of
"If you could ‘design’ your own child, would you?", an article written by Vivek Wadhwa, discusses a research conducted by a team of scientists, led by Shoukhrat Mitalipov, of Oregon Health and science University. In this research they discovered that it is possible to safely and efficiently alter defective genes that cause inherited diseases. Vivek Wadhwa is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University, and a director of research at Center for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization at Duke University.
Over the past 100 years technology has dramatically developed and advanced to the point where scientists and doctors have created/found cures and treatments that can stop genetic diseases for good as stated by (REFRENCE STAING THAT). Even though many genetic diseases no longer exist, there is still over (NUMBER OR STATISIC) known genetic diseases without a fully developed or known
The new advancements in genetics spark a new revolution in medicine. Genetic information not only can help us better understand the diseases that plague us, but can also prevent diseases that could potentially be harmful to us. However America’s history of discrimination has taken over this new revolution also. Despite our revolutionized and civilized culture, America still suffers the cruel grip of evil that lies behind many legal documents and contracts. Genetic Discrimination is when people are treated differently by their employer or insurance company because they have or are perceived to have a gene mutation that causes or increases the risk of an inherited disorder. Although insurance companies and many employers are looking out for their companies genetically discriminating against clients or employees promotes the public’s weariness about the revolutionized genetic tests and also discourages further medical research.
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
Every living thing is the product of the genes that were passed down from ancestors. Genes make up everything we are. One gets their traits from their parents. Most people live full lives with relatively good health. However, some people inherit mutated genes or faulty genes. This could lead to genetic disorders that could be life threatening. Even today, many genetic disorders still remain incurable, leaving many people without hope. Genetic therapy could be their answer. It is through this research that the cure for genetic disorders can be found. Though some people believe it is unethical or immoral to alter genes, current therapeutics have not been able to save the lives of the patients with these diseases. Genetic therapy