Ethical Questions for Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering is a matter of hot debate among secular associations and religious groups alike. Many ethical questions abound about this barely explored area of science, stemming from the pain caused by genetic manipulation to the real price of potential medical breakthroughs. Science may need to confront these issues to gain full public support for genetic engineering.
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Are We Playing God?
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One of the largest ethical concerns centered around genetic engineering is the notion of manipulating God's plan in regard to the human body. That is, it's not humanity's place to change what God has created, and any manipulation of the genetic code is seen as a form of blasphemy. There are also secular arguments based around this question, arguing essentially that manipulation of the human genetic code or any other genetic code violates the dignity of a species, according to the Center for Inquiry's website.
Are We Inflicting Pain?
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According to Action Bioscience, another ethical question relating to genetic engineering centers around the potential pain caused by genetic manipulation. The website states that certain combinations of the genetic code can actually cause painful living conditions for affected animals and humans. Science may be forced to decide if the suffering of sentient creatures in the name of genetic research is acceptable. This ethical question is not unlike the struggle of animal rights groups against product testing on animals.
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What Are the Long-term Environmental Effects?
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Science has yet to determine the long-term effects of releasing genetically modified species into the wild. The ethical question centers around humanity's responsibility to act as a steward for the environment and not act to destroy it. Consequences from releasing genetically manipulated species into the wild could be extinction due to unfavorable genetic combination with unmodified species members, or the extinction of naturally born species members.
Will Genetics Change the Definition of Humanity?
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The combination of human DNA with plant or animal DNA could result in the presentation of traits that are not immediately perceived as human, according to Action Bioscience. The ethical question centers around the definition of what exactly is a human -- a question humanity has not needed to ask before. The debate could spark heated confrontations on privileges for those who have received genetic augmentations and those who have not.
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