Technology is rapidly advancing in the field of editing genes in human embryos, and ethical debates on whether humanity should carry out this act have ensued. Those who oppose it are against the engineering of the human germline because changes are heritable and effects are unknown, and many also fear it will have negative societal effects. Those in favor of editing the human germline embrace the opportunity to enhance humanity. Baird (2007) says that controversy has been present since the invention of in vitro fertilization in 1978.
Baird (2007) examines reasoning behind both sides regarding the ethics of reproductive technology, a debate which progressed with the invention of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis …show more content…
CRISPR-Cas9 has already been utilized by Liang et al. (2015) in an attempt to modify a gene that would cause the potentially fatal blood disorder, β-thalassaemia. While the technology was not yet at the level of efficiency for complete success, it showed great potential. Istvan (2015) suggests that gene editing is ethical because ethics in science is connected to what will help a human being achieve a higher quality of life. Istvan (2015) argues that since gene editing holds potential for the elimination of negative hereditary disorders and can overall greatly improve human health, it is ethical. According to Istvan (2015), genetic engineering could allow for a positive rebirth of the whole system of …show more content…
Similarly, Istvan (2015) argues that the ability to edit embryos is a parental right, and it must be allowed so that parents can do what they think will allow their child to flourish. He says that we all have the right to make choices that advance quality of life, free from governmental interference, as long as these choices do not harm anyone else. In his opinion, this includes gene editing because it will be helpful, not harmful to the parents and child.
While many people opposed to gene editing argue the harmful effects on society it may bring, Regalado (2015) considers the way in which enhanced individuals could positively change society. If cognitive ability was increased, even if in a small number of people, Regalado (2015) says, the level and amount of technological innovation and innovations would also increase. This is a positive effect that allowing gene editing would have on society; an increased number of intelligent and creative individuals could change the world for the
Baird (2007) examines reasoning behind both sides regarding the ethics of reproductive technology, a debate which progressed with the invention of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis …show more content…
CRISPR-Cas9 has already been utilized by Liang et al. (2015) in an attempt to modify a gene that would cause the potentially fatal blood disorder, β-thalassaemia. While the technology was not yet at the level of efficiency for complete success, it showed great potential. Istvan (2015) suggests that gene editing is ethical because ethics in science is connected to what will help a human being achieve a higher quality of life. Istvan (2015) argues that since gene editing holds potential for the elimination of negative hereditary disorders and can overall greatly improve human health, it is ethical. According to Istvan (2015), genetic engineering could allow for a positive rebirth of the whole system of …show more content…
Similarly, Istvan (2015) argues that the ability to edit embryos is a parental right, and it must be allowed so that parents can do what they think will allow their child to flourish. He says that we all have the right to make choices that advance quality of life, free from governmental interference, as long as these choices do not harm anyone else. In his opinion, this includes gene editing because it will be helpful, not harmful to the parents and child.
While many people opposed to gene editing argue the harmful effects on society it may bring, Regalado (2015) considers the way in which enhanced individuals could positively change society. If cognitive ability was increased, even if in a small number of people, Regalado (2015) says, the level and amount of technological innovation and innovations would also increase. This is a positive effect that allowing gene editing would have on society; an increased number of intelligent and creative individuals could change the world for the