Genetic Engineering is a process by which scientists are able to alter the DNA in a living cell. Human Genetic Engineering is one of the most controversial ethical issues facing modern society that has a significant effect on all mankind globally. In theory, the ability to genetically modify human cells to eliminate diseases, lifelong illnesses and alter undesirable genetic traits appears to be the answer to the many problems humans are faced with today. In reality, it poses numerous threats to future generations. The main ethical issues raised by human genetic engineering can be categorized into three main sections. Possibly the most important of these is social inequality. As humans, we strive for equality in all things, but naturally there …show more content…
Eugenics is a social philosophy that encourages the improvement of human genetic traits, through the promotion of higher reproduction of people with desired traits, and reduced reproduction of people with undesired traits. This ‘survival of the fittest’ mentality fits in with the theory of Charles Darwin’s natural selection. This is an exceedingly inhumane way of viewing our own race, and highly discriminates any person who does not fit into the image of ‘total perfection’. A perfect example of this comes from a medical research performed in Britain some 8 years ago, where researchers announced plans to eliminate autism. However, their plans were not to cure autism or make life better for people suffering its symptoms, but rather eliminate autism by eradicating autistic people through prenatal testing and early-stage abortions. The logic behind this argument is that human genetic enhancement perpetuates discrimination against the disabled and the ‘genetically unfit’. The sort of discrimination is similar to the sort that inspired the eugenics of the Third Reich. However, this cannot be taken as an actual result of human genetic engineering, but rather a possibility of its