This guide aims to educate the public about the benefits and consequences of genetic engineering in humans. It will address both the positive and negative aspects of this technology, highlighting successful and unsuccessful practices in human genetic engineering. Additionally, this guide presents evidence of the outcomes of genetic engineering, not only in humans but also in plants and animals, offering a comprehensive view of its full potential.
While the consequences of genetic engineering in humans could cause a slippery slope of unethical societal abuse and unintended repercussions, the potential of curing debilitating genetic and non-hereditary diseases and enhancing human capabilities outweigh the negatives.
Over billions of years of evolution everything has been genetically modifying itself through its bloodline, but it is only recently humans have begun to harness the science behind genetic modification. A groundbreaking development in this area is the CRISPR-Cas9 technology, which allows scientists to alter human genes. Society is concerned that it could be capable of enhancing physical and mental capabilities, thus raising concerns about the ethics behind it, and the technology’s potential flaws, considering the limited research on its long-term effects. However, CRISPR-Cas9 shows promise in correcting genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and even certain cancers, as well as disabilities and other conditions. Certain people argue that altering these traits could strip them of their identities, and that their disabilities and disorders are essential to who they are. The ethical debate centers on the idea that this technology would force individuals to abide by societal standards, similar to certain laws enforced by the German government in the 1900’s. This technology could provide certain people with the opportunity to conquer genetic limitations, allowing them equal opportunities and the chance to live a fuller life.
Genetic engineering in humans refers to the manipulation of an individual's genetic code to alter or enhance specific traits. This rather new practice involves technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, which gives scientists the ability to make precise edits in DNA sequences, paving a path to correct genetic disorders, prevent diseases, and potentially enhance physical or mental abilities. While genetic engineering holds great promise for treating certain conditions such as sickle cell disease, various cancers, and cystic fibrosis, it also raises ethical concerns. Some potential concerns include the creation of "designer babies", unintended genetic consequences, and the accessibility of this technology to less financially stable people. As scientists continue to refine their research, the debate on the ethical use of genetic engineering in humans grows larger, balancing its life changing potential with the risks of unforeseen consequences and potential impact on society.
In this video, the first person to attempt germline editing, He Jiankui, talks about his process and the benefits of this technology. He Jiankiu talks about how and why he experimented on Nana and Lulu and how it might benefit the twins as well as their family.
“About Lulu and Nana: Twin Girls Born Healthy After Gene Surgery As Single-Cell Embryos” Youtube, Uploaded by He Jiankiu, 25 Nov. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th0vnOmFltc
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