The Pros And Cons Of Gene Therapy

There are many people in this world with disorders and diseases that disrupt the balance of crucial proteins in the human body necessary for proper function and survival. Without these important proteins such as enzymes, humans are bound for disability and/or death. Recently, Gene Therapy has been more researched and studied, and is currently being improved and developed for the benefit of mankind. However, with the rise of this new and effective type of therapy, there comes a heavy topic of debate over the ethical issues in bringing this revolutionary research into play. Certain questions arise on the subject of this treatment such as: How can “good” and “bad” uses of gene therapy be distinguished? Who decides which traits are normal and which

There are many big disadvantages and risks, the first of which being the modification of human capabilities. This is a negative answer to the previously asked question. The alteration of basic human traits such as height, intelligence, or athletic ability can, and will have devastating impacts to the world. Genetically enhanced soldiers can be created for conquest and domination. After one central government has been attained, the creation of social classes will be formed. Enhanced human beings will then look down upon the unaltered people, as if they are the weak of society. Also, since the children will be altered before birth using Germline Gene Therapy, they will not have a voice in the matter, further causing ethical contradiction; man will play the role of

Gene Therapy, although very beneficial if used to research properly, should not advance to the length of altering a human organism through Germline Gene Therapy. Right now it is acceptable to use to gain a better understanding of how DNA and genes work, but it should never surpass that. “Any mistake you make on a germ line is passed to future generations, and may affect thousands of people. The people affected by germ-line gene therapy - children, and future descendants, did not agree or consent to the treatment. You are tampering with nature and playing God. When gene therapy goes wrong, it could lead to horrific mutations. Treating defective genes puts you on a slippery slope - soon you will be 'curing ' baldness, obesity, poor eyesight etc. - actually enhancing the population, like Hitler 's idea of a master race. Only rich people will be able to afford these treatments - it goes against ideas of equality and justice.” For these such reasons is why that Germline Gene Therapy is against ethical code, and should never be instated into the