History Essay Pros & Cons
A. Key Concerns Against Genetic Engineering (Cons)
1. Slippery Slope to Cosmetic Changes - Source: Sage Buck Institute
Opening the door to genetic engineering in human embryos could lead to cosmetic modifications (e.g.,
eye color, athletic traits). The concern is...
A. Key Concerns Against Genetic Engineering (Cons)
1. Slippery Slope to Cosmetic Changes
- Source: Sage Buck Institute
Opening the door to genetic engineering in human embryos could lead to cosmetic modifications (e.g.,
eye color, athletic traits). The concern is that just as surgery has transitioned from a disease-focused tool
to one used for cosmetic enhancements, genetic editing may similarly evolve, raising the risk of a
eugenics-driven society.
2. Risks of Gene Editing on Human Embryos
- Source: National Geographic
At the 2015 International Summit on Human Gene Editing, experts expressed significant concerns
regarding the irreversible changes made to future generations' cells. Key issues include off-target
mutations and long-term health and safety outcomes, indicating that we are not yet ready for such
drastic interventions.
3. Gene Doping in Sports
- Source: Nature
Gene doping, or the nontherapeutic use of genetics to enhance athletic performance, poses challenges
for organizations like WADA. The difficulty in detecting gene doping increases the potential for its use,
raising ethical questions about fairness in sports.
4. Potential for Eugenics
- Source: Nature
Genetic testing could lead to a revival of eugenics, where specific non-disease traits are selected.
Historical misuses of eugenics (e.g., sterilization) raise concerns for modern applications, as
advancements in preimplantation genetic diagnosis could allow for such selection.
5. Health Risks and Moral Issues
- Source: Nature
, Selecting traits in embryos could introduce health risks and ethical dilemmas, especially when parents
choose traits for their children without their consent. There is a fear that certain traits may be linked to
unintended negative effects, as genetic modifications often have multifaceted influences on health.
6. Individual Liberties and Societal Inequality
- Source: Nature
Allowing gene manipulation raises questions about parental rights and the impact on children who
cannot consent. Additionally, only wealthy families may afford designer children, potentially creating a
genetic aristocracy and exacerbating social inequalities.
7. Current Technology Limitations
- Source: Nature
The technology for trait selection is not currently available, and some believe it may never be feasible
due to the complex nature of genetic traits. Nonetheless, ethical considerations must be addressed in
anticipation of future advancements.
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### Arguments in Favor of Genetic Engineering
1. Potential to Eliminate Genetic Diseases
- Source: National Geographic
Proponents argue that gene editing, particularly through techniques like CRISPR, could reduce or even
eliminate serious genetic diseases by modifying harmful genes. This could significantly decrease human
suffering for future generations.
### Current Developments
Gene Editing in Practice
- Source: AP News
Scientists have recently conducted gene editing directly inside the body, marking a significant step
towards using genetic engineering to cure diseases. This involves delivering a corrective gene and a
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