Ethics of Genetic Modification Technology Essay - 768 Words

Modern society is on the verge of a biotechnological revolution: the foods we eat no longer serve simply to feed us, but to feed entire nations, to withstand natural disasters, and to deliver preventative vaccination. Much of this technology exists due to the rapid development of genetic modification, and today’s genetically modified crops are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Says Robert T. Fraley, chief technology officer for biotech giant Monsanto, â€Å"It’s like computers in the 1960s. We are just at the beginning of the explosion of technology we are going to see. Biotechnology’s discontents are numerous and furious, declaring the efforts of corporations of Monsanto to be dangerous and morally reprehensible. Inherent within the†¦show more content†¦Such genetic engineering certainly carries graver consequences than simple, backyard cross-pollination, but the two procedures are nonetheless quite similar. There is no reason to fear the proce ss of genetic modification, but the public must keep a watchful eye on genetic engineers in order to reduce risk and prevent any potential catastrophe . Crops are generally modified for one of three reasons: to improve food quality, to make farming more productive, and to create medicine. In each area, there is enormous potential for benefit, but there is also great risk . The first aim of genetic modification is to improve the quality of crops. By toying with the genetic makeup of a plant, scientists can, among other things, increase the size of its fruit and improve its resilience in difficult conditions. These advances have led to greater food accessibility throughout the world; indeed, genetically-modified crops are a tangible potential solution for world hunger. However, some genetically-modified crops were created with much less noble intention. Some genetically-modified seed is constructed with genetic use restriction technology – abbreviated as â€Å"GURT† â₠¬â€œ which prevents seed from germinating. Ethical justification for genetic modification exists if the main aim of such technology is to construct superior quality crops, but utilizing GURT is socially irresponsible and not conducive to improving food quality. Perhaps the most obvious externality of geneticShow MoreRelatedIslamic and Catholic Views on Genetic Engineering1265 Words   |  6 Pagesit is selfish, unnecessary and unethical. It is an embellishment to human vanity and additionally, insults human integrity when the offspring is affected by the technology. (What is the Catholic view on genetic engineering? - Mary Meets Dolly. 12/ 05/ 2014.) The Catholic Church In 1983, Pope John Paul II mentioned in an address â€Å"genetic enhancement was permissible- indeed, laudable- even from a Catholic point of view, as long as it met certain basic moral rules. Among those rules: that these therapiesRead MoreThe Engineering of Human Genetics in Dreams and Nightmares Essay1274 Words   |  6 Pageswith regard to human genetic modification (Whitehouse). While there is an enormous amount of potential in human genetic modification, there is an equal amount of controversy that questions the ethics of such practices. For example, should the ability to modify a child’s genetic code be viewed as a technological possibility, or should it be a social obligation to ensure that all children are disease-free? Should it be the parents’ right to modify their unborn child’s genetic code to whatever theyRead MoreRecent Developments In Gene Editing, Concerning The Modification1447 Words   |  6 PagesRecent developments in gene editing, concern ing the modification of embryonic cells and its’ usefulness since the discovery of iPS cells Abstract This essay addresses the question â€Å"In light of the recent developments with iPS cells, is the genetic modification of human embryos justified?†. New gene editing software CRISPR has created cheaper and more accurate modification, making the editing of an embryo a possibility. There are concerns about this advancementRead MoreThe Ethical Dilemma Of Designer Babies1305 Words   |  6 Pagesfiction is now, ever closer to becoming a reality thanks to advances in genetics, and the development of a gene editing technology called Crispr-Cas9, in 2012, which uses natural enzymes to target and snip genes with pinpoint accuracy. It has already been suggested that this technology could be used to eliminate defective genes that cause diseases (Ball, 2017). Though not yet used in viable embyros, China has used the technology in non-viable embryos simply to see if it was possible. The experimentRead MoreEthics And The New Genetics1048 Words   |  5 Pages#1: Response Paper Dear Mr. Dalai Lama, In your excerpt, â€Å"Ethics and the New Genetics,† you presented the discovery of the advancement in genetic technology. You mentioned how scientist are able to change the genetic makeup of living things. Another key point presented in your article is the idea of cloning, where one is therapeutic while the other is reproductive. The article discussed that the advancement in technology and genetics should only be used to benefit people. However, you believedRead MoreTechnology And The Pursuit Of Invocation983 Words   |  4 Pagesdeveloping world, morals and ethics are often overlooked in the pursuit of invocation. Advances in technology and genetics provide hope to many with sever medical conditions. At the same times technology and genetics capabilities put fear of a morally absent future in the hearts of countless people. Peter Singer along with Dalai Lama showcases a future that exemplifies the destiny of morals and ethics if compassion for humanity isn’t present. Using technology and genetic modification to improve the life ofRead MoreGenetic Modification929 Words   |  4 PagesBy using genetic modification and gene editing to alter human embryos, scientists may prevent certain birth defects and diseases in an ethical fashion. Genetic modification is second to none when preventing inherited genetic diseases. One commonly used method is to use preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD. According to Sarah Ly, â€Å"preimplantation genetic diagnosis allows viable embryos to be screened for various genetic traits, such as sex-linked diseases, before implanting them in the mother†Read MoreEssay about Applications of Gene Modification869 Words   |  4 Pagesissues. New breakthroughs in science and technology can leave people upset and not ready for change. One of the most prevalent examples of a controversial science is genetic engineering. The modification of genes is becoming a popular application in science, but some people aren’t ready. Genetic engineering will play a big part in the scientific world in the next few years. Most people don’t think this is a good thing, but the use of genetic modification can increase the worlds standard of livingRead MoreGenetic Engineering: Good or Bad ?899 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction With the dawn of modern genetic technology, new problems and possibilities arise. The ability to modify the genes of living organisms is a very controversial subject, spawning many debates about its uses, ethics, and dangers. On one hand, the possibility of modifying livestock and plants to produce more food and useful products is tempting. Medical uses for genetic modification are also abundant, and can change medicine for the better. On the other hand, problems about the ethicalityRead MoreThe Bioethics Of Human Genetic Engineering And Modification1589 Words   |  7 PagesBioethics of Human Genetic Engineering and Modification Humans are marvelous creatures no other animals compare in intelligence or general abilities. As humans, we never have enough, we always are in search of self-improvement and personal gain. Our lives are based on the pursuit of personal gain and to help better the human race as a whole. Sometimes we must sacrifice everything and other times it comes as little to no price to achieve something greater for ourselves and others. Genetic engineering is