The Ethical Issue Of Allowing Genetic Modification Of Human Embryos To Eliminate Diseases And Birth Defects
Every year, around 7. 9 million children are born with a birth defect that has a major genetic contribution. Genetic modification is the method of editing the genetic sequencing of a human embryo pre-birth. During the process of genetic modification, scientists add or delete complete sections of DNA found in cells to produce specific changes in living organisms.
There are diseases such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and hemophilia that are caused by genetic flaws inherited from both parents. These diseases along with AIDs and cancer can potentially be cured using gene therapy during which corrected genes are exchanged for the genetic defective ones or new genes are inserted into the nucleus of sperm, eggs or embryos. These new genes are passed on from one generation to another. However, human genetic modification is an advancement that people either are very passionate about or are completely against.
During a woman’s pregnancy, many tests can be done to help diagnose birth defects. The most commonly used tests are amniocentesis and ultrasound scans. Doctors use the ultrasound scan to determine the position of the fetus and they insert a needle into the mother’s uterus to withdraw amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid contains cells that are used for genetic testing. Using this method, doctors can diagnose more than 125 disorders that may affect the unborn baby.
Physicians use amniocentesis mainly because it allows them to treat specific diseases before birth or be prepared to start treatment at birth. However, increasing the use of these testing’s may increase the rate of abortion as parents may choose to bear only those embryos that are seemingly perfect. Genetic modification can come to the aid of those who suffer from serious genetic disorders. Genetic modifying when perfected, can edit genes in human embryos to eliminate risks of diseases passed on by parentage. By eliminating these diseases, it would lead to spending less on healthcare and medical bills for those who carry these diseases and give them the hope to live healthily into an old age. Some genes, such as the one that causes Tay-Sachs disease - a disease most apparent in children in which they develop normally for six months and as the diseases progresses, they experience seizures, hearing and vision loss – are bad in every possible situation and there is no possible way that this gene will benefit the future generation. Therefore, we ultimately lose nothing by modifying this gene out of the human bloodline and there is no reason why we should restrict the use of genetic modification technologies to remove futile genes such as these.
Despite all the advantages of genetic modification, it is still illegal in twenty-two countries around the world including the United Kingdom and Canada as we do not know the long-term causes and wide spread access to gene modifying can damage the gene pool. When discussing the topic of genetic modification, the questions of Eugenics is often raised. Eugenics is a theory that aims at the improvement of hereditary qualities by controlling human reproduction. “Eugenist’s” are those who believe that the human race can be improved if only people with “superior” traits reproduce which quite frankly pushes back the progress of achieving equality. With access to this powerful technology, those who are wealthy will be able create seemingly perfect offspring while children of the less fortunate will potentially struggle to compete creating societal issues. It will create an even larger gap between the richer and the poor and widen the socioeconomic gap. The term “designer baby” comes from genetically modifying a baby for specific traits and disease prevention. This process can help couples who have infertility problems and prevent fetuses from developing a genetic disorder, however it may evolve into the manipulation of human traits based on preferences. Scientists should use their ability to edit genes solely for treating genetic malfunctions and not for the use of choosing traits of embryos. Where will this genetic revolution take us in the future? Will we witness improvements in human health or will we take a step back in history and widen the gap between the gifted and the inept?
Opening the door to genetically modifying embryos would likely lead to the manipulation of regulatory limits. Nonetheless, 7. 9 million children are born every year with genetic defects and some must live the rest of their lives with the disorder while some don’t make it past the first month. It is said that no one should attempt to play god, but if we are given the power to make beneficial changes to mankind to prolong life then we should do so within limits.
