Is Genetic Engineering Ethically Wrong

* Jarious Smith * Mrs. Healy * English III, Per 3 * 19 February 2012
Cut and Paste: Exploring Genetic Engineering
In previous three decades, scientists have learned how to combine characteristics with unrelated creatures by moving genes. This is called “genetic engineering.” Genetic Engineering is rashly applied in food production. All humans have genes, which carry certain traits structuring a person’s chemical composition. Inheritable characteristics move through generations through DNA. Genetic Engineering is the planned adjustment of genetic material. Any meddling in a person’s genetic makeup can cause permanent damage, outweighing the benefits of Genetic Engineering such as eradication of diseases, hereditary defects, and shortage of nutritious food.
Many would argue that Genetic Engineering will benefit society and is ethical. Genetics will increasingly enable health
Eugenics is the favoring of the reproduction of some genes over others and it has a vile history. There would be effects beyond the level of the individual in such a world, as various traits became more common. If one modifies the DNA in a sperm or egg or in the cells of an early embryo, the altered DNA will be copied each time these cells divide and will become part of all the cells in that future person, including her or his eggs or sperm (Hubbard). * Genetic Enhancement Would Lead to Inequality and Abuse. Opponents of genetic manipulation argue that by allowing this we run the risk of creating a race of super humans, changing what it means to be normal and increasing the ever widening gap between the haves and the have-nots(Epstein). Genetic Engineering Could Harm Future Generations. Genetic therapy, like genetic enhancement, not only is permanent during the entire lifetime of the affected individual(Rifkin). The transgene becomes inheritably transmitted to countless members of future