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Genetic engineering is kinda bad. Human embryo research has been the subject
of extensive debate for some years. In some countries ...
Submitted by brother128 on January 12, 2006
Category: Science
Words: 3145 | Pages: 13
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Human embryo research has been the subject of extensive debate for some years. In some countries it is prohibited, in others it is not. The main problem is due to the lack of consensus on a basic human question: when does a fertilized human egg become a human being? This is a fundamental ethical question because a human being has human rights, including the right-to life. Biologically, there is nothing more special about a fertilized egg than an unfertilized one. Life is a continuum.
Genetic screening is an issue that will continue to be discussed for many years to come. Points of issue include whether genetic screening of embryos should be permitted. This procedure allows the detection of a defective gene in an embryo. The genetic screening of newborn babies also raises ethical problems. We think that this is a very dangerous practice not only because it can distress parents who have not asked to know the future of their children, but also because these genetic data have the potential to be misused by insurance companies and employers. In a human society, which so often mistrusts those who are different, a genetic passport can be a huge handicap.
The release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment could cause unexpected environmental problems. We need to realize that it is possible to make combinations of genes in organisms in a way that would be impossible by natural selection.
The last issue is the biggest of all. Should we try to change or add genes in the human germ line, the cells in our bodies that have the potential to make gametes? Changes to the germ line therefore have the potential to be inherited. But what is not possible today can be possible next year or in 5 years. Perhaps it is time for a novel form of democracy, in which only those who can successfully complete a questionnaire that will test their background knowledge take decisions! We end with another quotation from the Bible:
The Lord God ......
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