The Pros And Cons Of Genetic Engineering

In recent discussions about genetic engineering, a controversial issue has been whether this new type of technology benefits our bodies. I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I agree that genetic engineering can help eliminate disease. On the other hand, however, I tend to incline and support the idea of this practice being immoral and not only this, but there is uncertainty of what future effects gene therapy can create in our bodies.
 Many people assume that genetic engineering can help eliminate disease. I agree with this to some extent, genetic engineering has the potential to eliminate disease. My questions is how much therapy does a human need in order to create a body that will repel some of the world’s deadliest diseases? Jeffrey Scott Coker, assistant professor of biology at Elon University in North Carolina, argues that “human manipulation of genes is natural and desirable” (Coker). Common sense seems to dictate that this practice is safe to use on humans. You would think that genetic modification brings no potential harm to the human body. “Since early 1970s scientist proposed gene surgery for treating inherited diseases caused by abnormally functioning genes” (Hayes). Basically what scientist began proposing was a solution to fix human DNA. For instance, take the case of a “four year old girl who had a genetic disorder that prevented her body from creating a crucial enzyme” (Gene Therapy). Although it was uncertain of whether it was the therapy or the drug treatment she took, somehow her health improved significantly. Perhaps one can say that gene therapy saved her life. Focusing on gene therapy, one issue that scientist seem to overlook is the possible future effects that gene therapy may cause to a...

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