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Genetic Modification In Gattaca

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Genetic Modification In Gattaca
Gattaca is a very interesting film that sheds light on the possible future of humanity, when it comes to genetic manipulation. The entire plot of the film revolves around a society that is primarily centered on the need for superior genes. Every child in the film, apart from the protagonist, Vincent Freeman, is born in the eugenics program. This program is purposely structured to manipulate the genetic composition of children to guarantee that they only inherit a specific set of desirable traits from their parents. The film portrays the struggles that Freeman is forced to endure as he attempts his dreams of exploring space in a highly discriminative society where only the genetically perfect human beings survive. It represents the extremes …show more content…
Just like any other medical procedures there are a variety of risks that can interfere with a successful genetic modification procedure. To begin with this procedure can result in unpredictable responses from the immune system of the embryo. Genetic modification requires the introduction of a virus into the targeted cells. This process can go wrong if the wrong cells are targeted and the virus reacts negatively with the host cells. It may cause infections that can lead to further complications. There are situations where tumors develop as a result of the genetic modification process (Mayo Clinic Therapy, 2016). All of these risks greatly undermine the viability of genetic modification, especially since a lot of trials have to be conducted before a successful modification can be made. It is highly unethical to experiment with human genes because of the reasons that these risks have on the end results. Many human beings can be subjected to avoidable medical conditions in the future because of the genetic modification practices conducted on them. In Gattaca, the human beings born outside the eugenics program were viewed as insignificant. The quest for perfection when it comes to genetic modification meant that members of the society in the film had to live with these risks to be
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