What Is the Ethical Implications of Biological Modifications in Humans?

Do you know what genetic modifications are and their implications for humankind? Genetic modification, also called genetic engineering, is the procedure of modifying the DNA of an organism to change its traits. It is done by adding, removing, or editing particular genes using advanced methods like CRISPR-Cas9. If you have any issues in composing a paper on this topic, you can seek biology assignment help.

In this article, you will see the ethical implications of genetic modifications in humans. It will help you understand how much the technology has changed over the years and how it is interfering with the natural process of humans being born. So, let's get started.

A Brief About Ethical Implications of Genetic Modifications

Genetic modification in humans raises complex ethical concerns. Although it holds the promise of curing many diseases and preventing inherited conditions, it also opens the doors to questionable practices like designing babies or improving physical and cognitive traits.

Some primary issues include inequality of access, informed consent, and the possibility of bringing back harmful ideologies like eugenics. Furthermore, cultural, religious and disability rights also complicate the debate. It is crucial to balance scientific progress while also having moral obligations in shaping the future of human gene editing. Moreover, if you need to get more details regarding this topic, you can seek the assistance of experts at Assignment Desk.

Some Ethical Implications of Gene Modification

So, now you know a brief overview of what gene modification is. Now, let's move on to the next step and see some ethical implications related to this technique. It will help you understand this subject in a more refined manner. So, let's begin!

Human Enhancement vs. Therapy

Gene editing has blurred the line between treating diseases and enhancing traits. Although curing genetic conditions is broadly accepted, utilising it to enhance intelligence, strength, or even appearance has raised ethical concerns about fairness and human identity.

Genetic Inequality

The facility of genetic modifications is limited to the wealthy, and thus, it creates a genetic class divide. This leads to social inequality where some people are at an advantage biologically from birth due to their financial conditions.

Designer Babies

When you edit genes to select physical traits or capabilities in unborn babies, it raises questions about parental control and child autonomy. Moreover, it also raises the question of whether it is moral to design a person based on preferences rather than medical necessity.

Informed Consent Issues

Informed consent is not possible for unborn babies or embryos. When you make irreversible changes without their consent, it raises some significant ethical and legal concerns; moreover, if such changes have lifelong or generational impacts.

Germline vs. Somatic Editing

When you do germline editing, it alters genes passed to future generations. Even mistakes and unforeseen effects could affect countless descendants. Moreover, many people also argue that it is too risky as compared to somatic editing, which only affects the treated person.

Cultural and Religious Beliefs

Different cultures and religions view genetic intervention in a different light. Though some may consider it unnatural or playing god, believing that life and death should not be put in the hands of humans or even altered through science.

Risk of Unintended Results

Gene editing can also have off-target consequences, such as altering other genes by mistake. In such cases, unintended mutations can also lead to the birth of new diseases. Thus, it raises various ethical concerns about experimentation and long-term safety concerns.

Regulation and Oversight

When there is a lack of consistent international regulations and laws, it creates ethical risks. Moreover, without strict oversight, gene editing could be abused for unethical objectives like eugenics or unauthorised human traits.

Eugenics and Historical Precedent

The thought of improving the human gene pool has echoes of past eugenics movements. It led to discrimination and atrocities, and it can also lead to the revival of dangerous ideologies around "perfect" humans.

Disability Rights Concerns

In cases of gene editing, some might also argue that eradicating genetic conditions also sends a memo that lives of people with disabilities are less valuable. Moreover, it could also lead to societal pressure to "correct" traits rather than embrace diversity.

Reproductive Freedom

Some parents think that they should have the right to make genetic decisions for their kids. However, others might argue that individual rights and societal influence must overshadow parents' desires to genetically modify their offspring.

Moral Responsibility of Scientists

Researchers must also consider the ethical implications of their work. When you push science forward without thinking back on the consequences, it can lead to irreversible changes in human evolution while also raising the question of responsibility and caution.

These are all the points that explain quite clearly the ethical implications of genetic modifications in humans. If you still have concerns regarding composing a paper on this topic, you can seek master's dissertation help.

Benefits of Genetic Modification in Humans

After learning what risks are involved with genetic modifications, let’s see some benefits of this technology. It is better to understand both sides of the coin. So, let's begin!

Treatment or Prevention of Genetic Diseases

Gene editing can fix or remove mutations that are the reason of inherited diseases such as:

Cystic Fibrosis

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Huntington's Disease

Tay-Sachs

Muscular Dystrophy

Enhance Learning of Human Biology

When gene cells are edited, especially in a research setting, the scientists can:

Study and analyse how genes work

Discover the root cause of diseases

Build targeted treatments

Probable Cause for Some Cancers

Gene editing can also be used to:

Engineer immune cells, such as CAR-T cells, to fight cancer more effectively

Target and disable genes that help tumours grow

Reduce Risk of Future Diseases

In theory, it is believed that gene modification can also diminish the risk of diseases like:

Alzheimer's

Heart Disease

Type 1 Diabetes

Prevent Hereditary Disease in Future Generations

In cases of Germline editing, like modifying sperm, eggs or embryos, it can also prevent diseases from being passed from generation to generation.

Personalised Medicine

When cells are edited to suit your genetic profile, it means treatments can be customised to your exact needs.

So, these are some of the advantages of genetic modifications in human beings.

Conclusion

So, this is all about gene modification in humans and its ethical implications. By reading this article, it is clear that there is a divide between people where some think it is correct to interfere with the natural process of being born, while others disagree with this notion. If you encounter some issues while composing a paper on this issue, you can seek biology assignment help.

Although it is quite clear that technology, though for your benefit, can sometimes also harm humans, moreover, your thoughts on this subject can be completely different from others, but it still opens your brain to new possibilities and what-ifs.