The Pros And Cons Of Human Genetic Engineering

Human Genetic Engineering is the process of manipulating genes in an embryo to improve its quality of life. There are four different types of Human Genetic Engineering but there are two that receive the most scrutiny which are Germline Genetic Enhancement and Germline Genetic Therapy. Both forms of genetic engineering alter genes in embryos, but the difference between the two is that Germline Genetic Enhancement would be used for non medical purposes and Germline Genetic Therapy would be used for medical purposes (Resnick). The technology to allow these types of genetic enhancement is close to being available, but many criticize this kind of embryonic manipulation before any trials or studies have taken place. Due to the alterations on these

The opposition views these embryos as designer babies which they believe to be unethical, but in fact these embryos are paving the way for a better society. The route to create these designer babies by genetically enhancing embryos is ethical and will eventually provide many great contributions to society. The opposing side makes many claims as to how genetic engineering is unethical. One used frequently is that millions of embryos, viewed as potential children, will be discarded during the process of achieving the ability to genetically enhance selected embryos. They view this act as a form of abortion because a potential child is being discarded as a result of trial and error. This being said many pro-life advocates would disapprove of these methods because an embryo is being deprived of its chance at life. However this is not the case and many critics do not have the proper background knowledge of the embryos being used; therefore they view the disposal of these embryos as unethical. The selected embryos used are

However, if genetic enhancement was possible there are many positive contributions that can be made toward medical advancement that the opposition does not see. An example of a medical advancement is the use of gene modifications to treat patients with terminal illnesses. This innovative procedure can be used to decrease the pain and suffering of those with limited options. Additionally, alterations made at beginning stages in embryonic development can target and prevent genetics diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis (Dresser). Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disorder where a buildup of abnormally thick mucus blocks pathways in the lungs, pancreas and other vital organs leading to premature death. If a couple whose family medical history displayed Cystic Fibrosis in both ancestral lines were to have children, the likelihood of their children inheriting such disorder is highly probable. With the possibility of genetic enhancement, this family could eradicate this disease from being passed on to future generations. There are thousands of other fatal genetic disorders in the world that could be alleviated with genetic enhancement, in which millions of people for generations to come would not have to suffer a lower quality of life. Genetic enhancement is able to improve society’s quality of life as a whole by treating embryos for diseases that would come