According to Oxford dictionaries, gene therapy is defined as the introduction of normal genes into cells in place of missing or defective ones in order to correct genetic disorders. The first gene therapy trial occurred in 1990 where a young girl suffering from adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency underwent the trial. Defective white blood cells were removed from her body and replaced with the corrected gene which produces the enzyme. Since the procedure her body is producing more ADA but not sufficient amounts to prevent the immunodeficiency disorder.
There are two main types of gene therapy – Germ line and somatic cell gene therapy. Somatic cell gene therapy is a much more common process which involves injecting the corrected version of
…show more content…
Mechanical challenges that remain complications include the process of inserting the corrected gene into the right cell without rejection from the immune system. Also, making sure that the new gene has no other effect on the functioning of any other cell as this will cause multiple harmful effects on a patient’s health. Overpopulation is a massive issue regarding our world today and medical treatments such as this prolongs the life span of too many which only contributes to the problem. Also the cost of the process is extremely high, which makes it available to only a small percentage of the population and not to those without sufficient money.
Other issues that are raised with the topic of gene therapy mostly reflect ethics. As gene therapy alters genetic material, it is a highly controversial issue with many opinions regarding the principles of religion and morality. One major argument from some religious groups is that such modifications are ‘playing God’. As humans, we do not have the right or power to make such changes to the make-up of a person – that is the duty of God only. God has a plan for everyone and changing the genetic material of a person is changing God’s plan and the course of