Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering has become a burgeoning area of research in both the biological and environmental sciences. Advances have been made that may boast positive outcomes for individual health and the environment. However, there are a bevy of ethical dilemmas and risks.
In a 3-page paper (double spaced), discuss the ethical issues and dilemmas of this technology. Your paper should also define what an ethical dilemma is. Provide specific examples and research. Lastly, your paper should conclude with your opinion on whether or not this type of research should be conducted.
when someone faces the decision of whether or not to steal something they need, but know doing so is wrong.
Genetic engineering has become a wildly popular and rapidly advancing field of research due to its potential benefit for human health and environmental conservation efforts. Despite its promise, there are a number of serious ethical dilemmas that must be considered before implementing this technology on mass scales. One such dilemma concerns safety: How do we guarantee the safety of products derived from genetic engineering? This question becomes particularly acute when considering applications on food production as well as medical treatments for humans and other animals. In addition to ensuring the safety of modified organisms in their intended environment, researchers must also consider potential risks posed by unexpected interactions with unmodified species in the environment into which these genetically modified organisms will be released (Benelli et al., 2017). Furthermore, some worry about creating permanent modifications to populations that could have negative long-term consequences; if genes are manipulated incorrectly there is no way to reverse them without further intervention (Firbank & Peart, 2018).
A second problem facing those researching genetic engineering has implications for privacy and consent: Who gets access to individual’s genetic information? While it might provide incredible insight into someone’s predisposition towards certain diseases or reactions to certain medicines – knowledge that could save lives – this same data can also be used against people or given away without their permission (López-Bastida & de la Calle-Prieto, 2016). There are laws protecting patient records at present – such as HIPPA regulations in the US – but many believe these laws do not go far enough in protecting individuals’ rights over their own information.
Finally, questions related equity arise around who benefits from genetic engineering technologies: Will advances only be available for those who can afford it? Who determines what applications should receive funding priority? If behaviors like substance abuse stem from underlying biological factors outside one's control does this require different approaches than treating conditions like diabetes which have more controllable components (Harris 2015)? These are all important considerations before allowing widespread use of genetic modification techniques.
Overall it seems clear that while there may exist incredible potential benefits from using genetically engineered products and processes there remain numerous associated ethical dilemmas worth exploring further before concluding whether or not this type of research should continue unchallenged. Even though we cannot foresee every consequence scientists must work diligently start discussions amongst stakeholders while simultaneously continuing their research into possible solutions — ultimately leaving us with decisions that come down both science facts and ethics values rather than either alone.