Development of Genetic Experimentation - Essay Example

Genetic Experimentation and Development Introduction Introduction of the genetic engineering in the past few decades can be termed as one of the most ingenious advancement of the 20th century. Genetic engineering involves development of genetic materials commonly defined as manipulation/alteration of genetic materials (Yount 18). The science has been into existence since 1960s though the it started gaining global attention in the 1990s after its experimentation successful. This science is divided into various categories though the two major forms are genetic reconstruction and cloning. Genetic engineering has continued to gain popularity in the modern world especially in the past few years with some people terming the move as incredible while others strongly opposing it and calling for its regulation. Therefore, these controversies raise the issue of determining the extent at which genetic experimentation and development should be allowed, especially experiments that involve the creation of human life in the laboratory, stem cell research, and the cloning of human beings. Exploring this ingenious technology and elaborating its advantages and disadvantages is very crucial for a reasonable recommendation to be made. Cloning involves replication of an organism and producing an exact reproduction of it (Yount 68). The first case of a successful cloning was made in 1996 that involved the creation of a cloned sheep known as Dolly. Genetic reconstruction/development on the other hand is a form of genetic engineering that is used in replacing human genes primarily to enhance or help the life of an unborn baby for medical grounds or for the parents’ preference. The technology is also known as stem cell research and it deals with destruction, creation, and usage of human embryos. The technology was initially used in livestock and crops before it was introduced to human beings and it had proven to be a prudent idea in controlling diseases and pests as well as producing high quality products. So far there has not been identified any long term effect of the technology. Human genetic engineering has numerous advantages whose impact into the society and the world in general would call for a pressing need of promoting the technology with all the resources it requires. Combating diseases is among the highly notable benefits of the technology (Spangenburg and Diane 55). With the technology, scientists have been able to produce vaccines and medicines that have completely eradicated some inherited disease that used to be a major problem a few decades ago. Human genetic engineering gives room for modification of babies’ genes, a factor that significantly improves its life expectancy. Diseases can be prevented by identifying animals/plants/people that are susceptible to to certain genetic ailments and thus preparing for the unavoidable (Steinberg and Cosloy 75). Moreover, infectious ailments may be treated by simply embedding genes that cipher for antiviral proteins explicit to each antigen. Another major advantage of the technology is the concept of producing a ‘tailor made’ product/ human being who is of desirable characteristics. Human genetic engineering has been found in the past to be capable of manipulating human genes, meaning that people can have descendants/ children possessing characteristics of their choices. This is a fantastic move since this would eradicate cases of disabilities and poor appearance among other undesirable features that human beings unfortunately become victims of (Spangenburg and Diane 115). Moreover, parents can have kids of the sexual category of their choice thus reducing the current conflict of gender preferences amongst parents for the type of gender that their children possess. In addition, human genetic engineering may increase genetic diversity as it bring forth more variant alleles that can also entrenched into other species. This means that the technology can lead to an introduction of another human race, a factor that is likely to increase the current cultural diversity that human beings celebrate and acknowledge as highly vital. People oppose this technology on various grounds though most of the raised reasons are based on ethics and the element of morality. Persons who support a total ban on the technology claim that cloning, creation of human life in the laboratory and stem cell research are completely unethical and against the role of the universe. However, this happens only for the people who believe that there are natural laws that man must adhere to if they have to be moral (Thiroux 12). They believe that this advancement do interfere with natural processes such as the haphazard selection of genes for appearance/looks as well as talents passed from parents to offspring. The argument goes to an extent of claiming that human genetic engineering may let individuals ‘play God’ as they have choices of manipulating their genes and those of their offspring (Evans 43). This is termed as unnatural and completely unacceptable in most religions for doing so would completely change the society and human evolution. As a result, some people tend to strongly oppose the technology and thus call for its limitation. Scientists must have limits in their explorations and must adhere to the physical and natural rules (Thiroux 93)”. Others go to an extent of claiming that human genetic engineering is likely to promote the element of division of communities in the near future. Currently, societies are divided depending on the degree of bias and inequity, a problem that is likely to highly be exaggerated if the technology continues to produce new societies. Segregation might be a major problem in the future if the technology is not stopped (Evans 63). However, these counter-arguments are very weak compared to the numerous benefits of this incredible technology as outlined in this research paper. There have been hot debates in many countries over the level at which human genetic engineering should be legalized. The debate has intensified since have differences all over the world over what is morally correct or incorrect. “What’s right for me may not be right for you (Thiroux 77)”. Lawmakers in some countries have completely outlawed the technology because of what they term as misuse of the test methods in other sectors beyond the health sector. Denmark is among such countries whereby strict laws have been established primarily to limit the use of the human genetic engineering. The country’s laws prohibit application of the technology for sorting human beings or the issue of ‘tailor made’ even though the technology is highly embraced and acknowledged in combating diseases. Other highly recognized bodies such as the Danish Council of Ethics have been introduced primarily for advising lawmakers (aspiring public, politicians, and authorities) on the use and possible consequences of the human genetic engineering technology. As a result, cloning has been banned on bases of ethical among other grounds (Spangenburg and Diane 115). In conclusion, human genetic engineering is a major milestone in the medicine in the 21st century. The technology has numerous advantages such as the issue of combating inheritance diseases that at times very difficult to control using the conventional medical approaches. The technology also gives room for the production of human beings or children of desirable preferences since parents have a say on the features they want in their children. Ethical based issues are some of the pros that have made many people strongly oppose the technology and call for an immediate regulation. Some people find the element of having ‘tailor made’ children or descendants to be completely unethical and against the rules of nature thus strongly opposing it. As a result of such strong opposition, many governments have moved a step ahead in implementing strict rules that govern human genetic engineering. However, I personally believe that the technology should be embraced highly and supported with all the resources it requires since its benefits highly outweigh its demerits. This technology is a major breakthrough in the 21st century and scientists should be given the freedom and the support they need to take it even to the next level that as per now nobody can predict. Works Cited Top of Form Top of Form Top of Form Top of Form Evans, John. Playing God?: Human Genetic Engineering and the Rationalization of Public Bioethical Debate. Chicago [u.a.: University of Chicago Press, 2002. Print. Spangenburg, Ray, and Diane Moser. Genetic Engineering. New York: Benchmark Books, 2004. Print. Steinberg, Mark, and Cosloy Sharon. The Facts on File Dictionary of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. New York: Facts on File, 2006. Internet resource. Thiroux, Jacques , and Keith. Krasemann. Ethics: Theory and Practice. Boston: Pearson, 2012. Print. Yount, Lisa. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. New York: Facts On File, 2008. Internet resource. Thiroux, Jacques P, and Keith W. Krasemann. Ethics: Theory and Practice. Boston: Pearson, 2012. Print. Thiroux, Jacques P, and Keith W. Krasemann. Ethics: Theory and Practice. Boston: Pearson, 2012. Print. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Read More