Genetic Disorders: The Pros And Cons Of Gene Therapy

I am cautiously in favour of gene therapy practices and research. However, in my opinion, much more scientific research is required before gene therapy can be implemented in the general population. The following rationale outlines the potential disadvantages and advantages of gene therapy. I will then provide specific examples of illnesses that are being researched for treatment in gene therapy.

Advantages of Gene Therapy:

1. Untapped potential- One notable factor that gives gene therapy the edge is the remarkable therapeutic potential it has to enhance lives for the better by curing the disease, not merely treating the resulting symptoms.

2. Replace defective cells- Humans have always been prone to a variety of diseases, and are constantly

Modify human capabilities- One negative impact associated with gene therapy is that it may be used to enhance and modify human abilities. If this was feasible, standards for normal human life would be altered for good.

2. Damage the gene pool- If gene therapy was performed to a certain degree, it possibly could permanently change the human gene pool. (Occupy Theory, 2014), which may not be a positive step.

3. Legal and ethical issues- There are many legal and ethical issues surrounding this therapy, some of which we may not even be aware of yet. Some see it as acting as God. A review board has been developed, which is known as the Recombinant Advisory Committee, to address the concerns associated with gene therapy (Bright Hub, 2015).

Although there have been major breakthroughs with gene therapy, it is and continues to be a very controversial topic, as there is still a lack of knowledge surrounding this type of medical treatment. Most people do not understand what gene therapy actually entails or any of the safety issues involving this type of treatment for genetic disorders. With more research and understanding increased clarity can be gained (NLCAP,

The incidence of haemophilia affects one in 5,000 male births. Approximately 400 babies are born in Australia with haemophilia each year (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). Haemophilia is caused by mutations in the gene for coagulation factor IX, a protein that helps blood to clot. Individuals with missing or low levels of factor IX bleed longer and more quickly than individuals without haemophilia (National Institute of Health, 2015).Haemophilia is an inherited disorder passed on from parent to child throughout generations. Haemophilia is expressed in males. Males who have haemophilia, will pass the gene onto their daughters but not their sons. Females who carry the altered gene can pass the gene onto both their sons and daughters. Sons with the gene will have haemophilia. Some women who happen to carry the gene may also experience problems with bleeding (Haemophilia Foundation Australia,