Endless Possibilities In Genetic Engineering

Endless possibilities in Genetic Engineering

Within a short period of time, genetic engineering has turned into one of the biggest growth areas in scientific research. It appears regularly in the media although the general public has no idea the meaning. It is currently one of the most sensitive areas of ethical debate. We are growing day by day in the increase of scientific discoveries. “The federal budget in 2003 included $24.8 million dollars for human embryonic stem cell research-up from 0 in 2000.”(Applebaum) That is only a span of three years which proves we are progressively learning more about genetics whereas it has been a mystery in the past. The only problem with genetic research is its moral issues against the human race. I think we should continue to keep moving forward in our research on cloning because of its benefits. In this paper I will discuss the principle, ethical issues and experimental procedures used in genetic engineering and cloning.

Genetic engineering is a variety of techniques used to transfer a desirable gene from one organism to another. This means that the required product can be synthesized or synchronized within the new organism. Very often these two organisms are totally unrelated species. The products of genetic engineering are referred to as genetically modified or transgenic organisms.

I think that the moral question of genetic engineering is answered by looking at its benefits and advances in medicine. Today the advancements in medicine are evolving at an extremely high rate. If the science of genetic engineering is wrong, then so are the rest of the advances in medicine. The reason is because genetic engineering is just another form of medical advancement. Gene manipulation is not going to be used for any other purpose except for the treatment and elimination of disease. The one thing that people need to realize is the potential of genetic engineering. I think in coming to a conclusion, people should try to visualize what parents of a child are experiencing if he or she is dying from a disease like multiple sclerosis. I wonder what they think of genetic engineering. It is obvious that they would consider it right because it is going to save their child's life.

Scientists are only beginning to explore the dangers and benefits of genetic engineering. Yet, instead of seeing the immense potential benefits, much of the American public is automatically rejecting this field of research. They think of cloning as playing God or ruining the human race. What they don’t realize is that we are experimenting with genetics to help out the human race. They don’t realize we are not hurting anyone or anything. “If appropriate go-ahead signals come, the first resulting gen-bettered children will in no sense threaten human civilization.” (Watson.) Much of this fear is based upon memories of poorly researched science fiction novels and movies such as Superman. This also includes fear of the unknowing perspective of what could or could not happen. There should be no fear. If someone doesn’t know the basic premises of genetics they should not automatically think that creating human cells is wrong.

Even though the risks are great, the beneficial possibilities are endless. It is unnecessary to put a ban on cloning. “A ban would prevent people from making choices aimed at improving their lives that would hurt no one.” (Stock) Genetic engineering should be allowed to progress because the potential benefits for the human species outweigh the consequences. For example, it will be possible for cows to be genetically engineered to produce pharmaceuticals in their milk.(Fact File) This means that vaccination shots and pills would become out of date. Babies could be brought up immune to diseases by simply being fed this milk. Imagine the impact on the quality of life for people who live in third world countries like Somalia. Whole countries could be made healthy and immune to disease.

Malnutrition, also a common problem in many third world countries, could possibly be cured with genetic engineering. For example, rice is most of these country’s main source of food. Rice does not provide all of the nutrients that the body needs and in these countries other food is very scarce. If rice or bread, are genetically engineered to contain additional necessary vitamins and minerals then we could go a long way towards wiping out malnutrition all over the world.

The area that stands to benefit the most from genetic engineering is medicine. Organ transplants and cosmetic procedures, like silicone breast implants, that may cause disease would soon cease to exist. Instead of using materials foreign to the body for such procedures, doctors will be able to manufacture bone, fat, connective tissue, or cartilage that match the patient's tissues exactly, thus ensuring that the needed tissue will be free of rejection by their immune system. Victims of terrible accidents that deform the face and body would be able to have their features repaired with new, safer technology. Limbs for amputees would be regenerated and anyone would be able to have their appearance altered to their satisfaction without the risk of leaking silicone gel into their bodies. Because genetic engineering will insure acceptance by the body, those in desperate need of organ and other transplants will one-day have their prayers answered by cloning. Using one's own cells to grow whole organs will eliminate the need for organ donors and waiting lists. Skin, brain cells, hearts, lungs, livers, and kidneys could all be produced. Those who suffer from spinal injuries, like Christopher Reeve, might one day be able to get out of their wheelchairs