Pros And Cons Of Gene Editing
Averi Bates
4th
Should Gene Editing Be Performed on Human Embryos?
Gene editing is the changing of the human genome through artificial means like
CRISPR. It has several possible outcomes both positive and negative. Some possible positive outcomes would be the eradication of genetic diseases and the genetic enhancement of humanity becomes more genetically perfect beings, the negatives would include the creation of horrible defects that replace those eradicated diseases or the creation of designer babies. The dilemma that humanity faces is do the pros outweigh the cons? Is the possible prize worth the risk? There are many opinions regarding this issue both agreeing with genetic engineering and others disagreeing. Humanity at this point in time should never even consider using gene editing on human embryos because the not only do the pros not outweigh the cons but the pros have chilling implications themselves. …show more content…
The pros of gene editing are tempting to humanity.” But in theory-and eventually practice-CRISPR could be used to modify disease-causing genes in embryos brought to term, removing the faulty script from the genetic code of that person’s future descendants as well “(Harris).
This could end so much hardship for so many people including generations not yet born. Diseases like Cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, possible even Parkinson's would cease to exist. As humanity works towards genetic perfection scientist will cut out genetic flaws and humans as a species will grow better possibly. However, these pros could quickly turn to cons if caution is not used. Something even worse could replace the genetic diseases cut out or, the creation of deep divides between people as not everyone would be “perfect” especially the first couple of
generations.
This debate for gene editing is not new it has gone back all the way to the 1990’s. There were even adds promoting genetically engineering babies designer babies (Barnovsky). Humans would eventually try to make babies specified to their preference because that's what they want or what they think is best. People like being in control and most take it to far especially when it comes to their children. With the opening of gene editing for therapy or health where would the line be drawn between actual medical needs or just enchantments for the sake of enchantment? Another problem with gene editing is unintentional edits to the human genome are possible and humanity would have no idea until a few generations later. Something has to replace the genes that were cut out and that is something humans have no control over at this point. At this point in time gene editing shouldn’t and should never be an option even considered.
4th
Should Gene Editing Be Performed on Human Embryos?
Gene editing is the changing of the human genome through artificial means like
CRISPR. It has several possible outcomes both positive and negative. Some possible positive outcomes would be the eradication of genetic diseases and the genetic enhancement of humanity becomes more genetically perfect beings, the negatives would include the creation of horrible defects that replace those eradicated diseases or the creation of designer babies. The dilemma that humanity faces is do the pros outweigh the cons? Is the possible prize worth the risk? There are many opinions regarding this issue both agreeing with genetic engineering and others disagreeing. Humanity at this point in time should never even consider using gene editing on human embryos because the not only do the pros not outweigh the cons but the pros have chilling implications themselves. …show more content…
The pros of gene editing are tempting to humanity.” But in theory-and eventually practice-CRISPR could be used to modify disease-causing genes in embryos brought to term, removing the faulty script from the genetic code of that person’s future descendants as well “(Harris).
This could end so much hardship for so many people including generations not yet born. Diseases like Cystic fibrosis, Huntington's disease, possible even Parkinson's would cease to exist. As humanity works towards genetic perfection scientist will cut out genetic flaws and humans as a species will grow better possibly. However, these pros could quickly turn to cons if caution is not used. Something even worse could replace the genetic diseases cut out or, the creation of deep divides between people as not everyone would be “perfect” especially the first couple of
generations.
This debate for gene editing is not new it has gone back all the way to the 1990’s. There were even adds promoting genetically engineering babies designer babies (Barnovsky). Humans would eventually try to make babies specified to their preference because that's what they want or what they think is best. People like being in control and most take it to far especially when it comes to their children. With the opening of gene editing for therapy or health where would the line be drawn between actual medical needs or just enchantments for the sake of enchantment? Another problem with gene editing is unintentional edits to the human genome are possible and humanity would have no idea until a few generations later. Something has to replace the genes that were cut out and that is something humans have no control over at this point. At this point in time gene editing shouldn’t and should never be an option even considered.