The Ethics of Genetic Engineering

The advancement of science and medical technology always comes with an ethical discussion attached. In previous years it has been embryonic stem cell research and human cloning. As the field of genetic engineering makes significant strides, the discussion of ethical application of scientific knowledge will only get more difficult.

Genetic engineering is the practice of cutting and splicing genes and DNA from different sources. A gene for color blindness could be replaced with one for normal color vision, and a gene that causes cystic fibrosis can be replaced with a "good" gene. Scientists have already created everything from higher yielding plants to glow in the dark monkeys! However, the practice leads to some interesting questions. Should genetic engineering be used on humans? There may not be a right or wrong answer.

One worry is that if genetic engineering is used on humans, it may bring about the discrimination of said individuals. This is a valid point, because even 45 years after the Civil Rights act, we still deal with discrimination pertaining to race. Also, just as someone who is sick can be discriminated against by their employer, genetic engineering could lead to discrimination due to being too healthy! Another issue surrounding genetic engineering is the ability to use it for selective breeding purposes. Should parents be able to custom build a baby from the genetic traits they want? Picking gender is already allowed in some in vitro fertilization clinics. How about a baby with blue eyes, or perfect teeth? This is sounding a bit too close to Adolf Hitler's quest for a perfect race for my comfort. But, what if the parents want to avoid the baby inheriting a genetic defect for the disease they carry? For an individual with an inherited genetic disease, this could mean they could have children without fearing passing on the disease.

The issue of genetic engineering is a very personal one for me. I have a condition called a primary immune deficiency. A primary immune deficiency occurs when a person is born without their immune system or their immune system doesn't function properly. (See this article for more details.) These diseases are caused by genetic defect and most often leave people with an increased susceptibility of infections. In my case, not only does my body not produce enough of one type of antibody, but there is a hidden piece of the puzzle they can't seem to figure out that makes me not respond to the normal treatment very well. My immune deficiency has a very limiting effect on my life, and my best hope is if they can someday perfect adult gene therapy.

Although I do realize that the usage of genetic engineering doesn't come without serious questions, I believe that it will someday benefit us all. And who knows, maybe it will save your life.