Persuasive Essay On Human Gene Therapy
The public’s attitude towards science is something that is least talked about in our society. Even in schools, teaching students about how scientists communicate with the public is given the least importance. As a result, I think most people who are involved in science disciplines are not sure how to respond when they come across this question.
Despite rapid scientific progress, many people of the public feel somewhat excluded from the debate surrounding the application of science in new technologies and products. Moreover, as scientific progress becomes increasingly fundamental to society, it is becoming equally difficult to stop it from clashing with long-held ethical values. One common and long standing debate is gene therapy. In 2005, a public survey was conducted to see people’s attitudes towards human gene therapy and while 82% stated that they would accept somatic therapy for major illnesses like heart disease, only 64% supported …show more content…
From a scientist’s point of view, embryonic stem cells have a huge potential to revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering as they hold the ability to produce all cell lineages including the germ line. This would provide the gateway for the treatment of a wide range of diseases where the body is incapable of repairing itself. However, some people especially religious communities hold strong objections regarding the use of human embryos in scientific research (De Wert, 2003) (Orive, 2003). The main point being that since “new life begins at the point of conception”, the embryo should hold full human rights (Daley, G.Q. et al., 2007). Nevertheless, there are different legislations in place in different countries regarding the use of human embryonic stem cells. In UK, embryonic stem cell research can only be carried out with authority from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
Despite rapid scientific progress, many people of the public feel somewhat excluded from the debate surrounding the application of science in new technologies and products. Moreover, as scientific progress becomes increasingly fundamental to society, it is becoming equally difficult to stop it from clashing with long-held ethical values. One common and long standing debate is gene therapy. In 2005, a public survey was conducted to see people’s attitudes towards human gene therapy and while 82% stated that they would accept somatic therapy for major illnesses like heart disease, only 64% supported …show more content…
From a scientist’s point of view, embryonic stem cells have a huge potential to revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering as they hold the ability to produce all cell lineages including the germ line. This would provide the gateway for the treatment of a wide range of diseases where the body is incapable of repairing itself. However, some people especially religious communities hold strong objections regarding the use of human embryos in scientific research (De Wert, 2003) (Orive, 2003). The main point being that since “new life begins at the point of conception”, the embryo should hold full human rights (Daley, G.Q. et al., 2007). Nevertheless, there are different legislations in place in different countries regarding the use of human embryonic stem cells. In UK, embryonic stem cell research can only be carried out with authority from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority