Dna Technology Research Paper

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The Light and Dark Side of DNA Technology

As with most modern advances, DNA technology has opened the door to a vast new world of discovery. On the positive side, DNA aids us in the fight against disease, such as cancer, and many genetic disorders, such as muscular dystrophy. Yet many in society are concerned with the ethical issue of using DNA in matters such as cloning, genetic tampering, and the irratication of less than perfect fetuses resulting selective human reproduction. Most diseases have a genetic basis, therefore if scientists are able to locate the genes that are responsible for diseases, it would aid in the treatment and prevention of disease. DNA is the building block of life, and therefore it is the base of everything that is living. James Watson, a well known …show more content…

In this upcoming century of scientific advances, a parent's failure to correct any genetic defects in utero might just be considered a heinous crime. This seems completely outrageous, however mothers have already been held liable for giving birth to crack cocaine addicted babies and babies with fetal alcohol syndrome. Yet no crime is committed if that same mother aborts the fetus. Our society believes that a parent has a responsibility to provide a safe and stable surroundings for their unborn child. Will this belief be carried over to include genetic altering of a fetus? "Proponents of human genetic engineering argue that it would be cruel and irresponsible not to use this powerful new technology to eliminate serious 'genetic disorders' " (Rifkin,

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