Specific Ethical Question

Blog Post 10: Specific Ethical Question

Ask/address an ethical question in your field of interest.
Develop/address arguments for each side of the issue, then defend your position on the issue.
this activity must include references
each student will then review this beginning on Nov 2.
Evaluation Criteria:

1-4 are evaluated by assigning a strong(S), medium(M) or weak(W)

1. Described field of interest and described question posed.
2. Both sides of argument were presented.
3. Appropriate references were included
4. Defended position is described clearly
5. provide one useful comment

The question: Is it ethical to be genetically modifying the human genome to better human survival (using Gene Therapy in Humans)?

My field of interest is in the Biotechnology field I like exploring how changing/adding one factor changes the next. The idea of using Gene Therapy in humans has always been an interesting topic and there are many expansions for research in this field, but there much controversy on the issue.  The basics of gene therapy are that genes are changed in an individual’s cell or biological tissues by way of inserting, altering or removing the genes. This technique is used in treatment of diseases that are gene related. It is a relatively “new” technique that has much use before it can be used on a large scale-if that happens. The basic idea is that non defective genes are inserted in the genome, existing genes are modified or taking out the defective gene altogether to produce a specific result.

On the pro side the main backing is that it can be used to treat/cure a disease or genetic problem. This can extend the life for the individual or greatly change how they function. Some diseases/genetic disorders that have been used with this technique include: X-CID “Bubble boy syndrome,” cancer, deafness, Huntington’s etc.  If the genes are altered the disorder will essentially be cured in all successive generations.

However there are some cons to this issue as well. When changing the genes of individual can produce undesirable results as in the case of the gene therapy treatment of “Bubble boy” in which the individual actually developed Leukemia. Other cons include high monetary costs and the religious backing on the issue. The procedure of gene therapy is relatively expensive and isn’t affordable to the average family on a regular basis.  Religious is basically saying that we were put on this earth to have these genes and we shouldn’t be messing with the blue prints.

My position on the ethical question of Gene therapy isn’t necessarily 100% for or against it. I believe it could be very useful in the future for practical use against disease therapy and cures. However, further studies need to be done to examine the success of the process. Also I see where the religious backing would discourage changing our genes that were passed down to us-it’s basically changing who we are as a person. But if we weren’t meant to change our genetic code, why give us the ability to learn the techniques?

http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genetherapy.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_therapy

http://www.ndsu.edu/pubweb/~mcclean/plsc431/students98/fleck.htm