OPPapers.com

Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering is an issue that touches upon the most profound ethical issues.   When discussing the topic of genetic engineering we must be aware that there are two different types: therapeutic and enhancement.   Therapeutic treatment is considered to be a type of gene restoration, where one's genes would be altered to fit within the parameters of typical person's.   On the other hand, the other form of genetic engineering, gene enhancement is the idea of improving average typical genes to be above average. Therapeutic treatment is acceptable, if parents can prevent their child from having a serious or fatal disease, they should be able to pay for genetic treatment if they can afford to do so.   However, I completely disagree with the process of genetic enhancement; a parent should not be able to alter their child's genes from typical or average to above average.   If humans even consider gene enhancement for their children, they should revise what is morally and ethically right and wrong.   The thought of parents one day being able to enhance or perfect the genes of their expected child is by all means wrong.   Children should not be born into a world where their ultimate choices have been
made by their parents before the moment of their birth.   Children's genes should be left untouched unless there is something terribly wrong, such as a sickness or disease.

After recently entering the new millennium, our world has become obsessed with the idea of enhancements.   This obsession is most common among young adults.   Young adults these days feel pressured to look a certain way, to have exact amounts of muscle or body fat, to have a certain IQ, and to obtain a certain status.   A large part of the problem comes from our culture.   Just look at the trademark bodies of models, actors and actresses.   Youth and beauty seem to go hand-in-hand in mainstream culture, and many young adults strive for the complete package: intelligence, looks and status.   Everyone has become...