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Gene Therapy

Thesis Outline
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In order to fully understand the field of gene therapy and its ethical implications it is important to examine its original purpose and application. With this understanding, we would be ready to investigate the evidence which clearly supports the idea that gene therapy should not be regulated or slowed because of its direct applicability and life-saving potential.   "Though gene therapy is in its early stages, the promise it holds for future medical advances is vast" (Maese, 2005).
After watching family members suffer from muscle atrophy due to aging, Dr. H. Lee Sweeney began researching genetic therapy as a way to restore atrophied muscles in the elderly and people affected by diseases such as Muscular Dystrophy.   Dr. Sweeney discovered that by injecting mice with a small amount of genetic material contained in a harmless delivery truck called Adeno-Associated virus (AAV) that he could enhance muscle growth in mice and decrease the rate of atrophy caused by sedentary behavior (Sweeney, 2004).   This therapy is revolutionary in its applicability and potential for saving lives.   "As soon as his (Sweeney's) research hit medical journals, his e-mail inbox started to fill up. The requests came from grandparents suffering from muscular dystrophy. They came from the wealthy, hoping for as long a life as possible. And they came from athletes and coaches, thinking they might have found the magic pill… The subject line of the e-mails were all similar: I'll be your guinea pig." (Maese, 2005).   Although gene therapy has its advantages, it is not without its ethical disagreements.  
  It is clear that Gene therapy is a very controversial topic in general.   Most people are unaware of the medical implications of genetic therapy.   Some think it is playing god because we are altering our genetic makeup while others see it as the God-given miracle that it is.   "Gene Therapy, experts say, could change everything" (Maese, 2005).
  When some people...