Genetic Manipulation of Human Embryos: Bioethical Issues

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Human genetic engineering is a scientific alteration of human genotype or changing the existing phenotype of a human being (Arnold 3). Such scientific alterations are mainly done to cure genetic diseases or for increasing immunity to viruses. Women who cannot conceive can now turn to human genetic engineering which enables them to have children (Arnold 3). This has come as a relief to many women whose dreams of ever having a child of their own were shuttered. This paper seeks to discuss the bioethical issues surrounding the genetic manipulation of human embryos in relation to patient care.

Genetic manipulation of embryonic cells has helped scientists in understanding human biology. Through this procedure, cellular replacement therapies have been developed a factor that has seen it attract enormous attention from the general public. The genetic manipulation of embryo cells makes it possible for parents to choose the character traits they would want in their unborn child. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, PGD is the medical procedure used to prevent parents who have a genetic disease from transmitting it to their progeny (Pray 1).

PGD is an embryo screening procedure that has been received by couples who wish to protect their children from genetic diseases. Before the invention of this medical procedure, the only option that was practicable in such cases was the termination of the pregnancy which was so unfortunate for both the parent and the unborn child as well. PGD is used in the screening of chromosomally abnormal embryos to enhance low pregnancy rates and reduce the rate of miscarriages (Pray 1). Miscarriages are influenced by Vitro fertilization procedures caused by a chromosomal abnormality (Pray 3).

The recent development of biotechnology however has reached its peak and it is already raising ethical issues. Nonetheless, although the modification of human genotype may help in achieving a perfect genetic composition and eliminate a number of genetically transmitted diseases, there is a looming risk. Looking at the few gene therapy trials that have resulted in deaths, the practice is raising a lot of skepticism (Pray 4). The consequences of this biological technology cannot be accurately predicated hence the hesitation to accept it. It has emerged that by eliminating one genetic disease, there is a risk of enhancing the risk of other complications.

Genetic modification greatly reduces the entire human genetic diversity. Changing the human genotype to a perfect desired characteristic will reduce the possibility of having divergent genetic makeup. There will be enormous similarities among humans which translates to limited genetic diversity. This is a risk because diversity is what makes humanity what it is today. Nonetheless, we can never know what the ramifications of having a generation with identical genotype would be. Another danger of lack of genetic diversity is that all humans will be at risk in the event of a breakout of an unknown disease.

Such a situation could lead to massive deaths that would threaten the existence of the human race. Human genetic makeup gives us one advantage while on the other hand, exposing us to a certain disadvantage. Achieving the perfect genotype is not really a feasible endeavor. Such concerns have seen genetic engineering attract some controversy since many people feel that scientists are trying to take the place of GOD. Skeptics project a two-tier society of the genetically haves and the have-nots (Arnold 4). The assembling of genetic makeup to enhance a trait in children is a brilliant idea. Nonetheless, although scientists project that a child’s intelligence can be improved through PGD, there are reasons to doubt the feasibility of this claim.

The greatest rationale to raise such skepticism is based on the knowledge that intelligence characteristics are made up of several genes. By assembling such genes to raise a child’s intelligence, we could run a risk of enhancing the characteristics seen in the genetic makeup of criminals. The problem is there is no possible way to establish the ramifications of a complete generation of genetically modified humans. What would happen to the children in that generation? Genetic diversity would be a thing of the past and the entire world would be on the same page with the same abilities and challenges.

Genetic modification is faced with serious safety issues as it has proved to give rise to unwanted mutations and sometimes death (Arnold 6). Embryonic manipulation is feared to be in a position to alter the growth and normal development of a fetus hence causing health complications that could be lethal. Genetic modification was initially meant for medical use to eliminate genetically transmitted diseases. Nonetheless, it has changed from fixing genetic mutations to enhancing desirable traits in children (Arnold 6).

This paper has discussed the ethical concerns raised by the public against the genetic modification of human embryos. In the paper, genetic modification has been defined and described to analyze its feasibility. There are challenges in the entire procedure of gene transfer and some of these challenges are fatal. Although some people think it’s a good idea to have a way through which human characteristics can be enhanced, many feel like the role is too volatile to be left in the hands of humans.