Zia 1
Sajjal Zia
Instructor Name
Course Number
23rd September 2022
Genetic Engineering and its Dangers
Science and technology have advanced by leaps and bounds over the
last two centuries. Consequently, our lives have become more convenient,
connected, productive, and of better quality. However, deep in the laboratories of
the world, there are discoveries being made that have sparked a controversy
regarding their proliferation. Genetic engineering is one such promising
advancement that has growing ethical, social, political, and economic
controversy surrounding it.
There are multiple risks involved in the use of genetic engineering. Risk
can be defined as the likelihood or possibility of harm, chances of loss and injury,
and undesired consequences. The main risks of genetic engineering are:
Genetically modified organisms released into the environment can
increase human suffering, reduce animal welfare, and lead to ecological
disasters. Containment of biotech materials in laboratories and industrial plants
presents two levels of risk.
There are also social and political dangers of genetic engineering.
Genetic engineering has the potential to increase economic inequality,
increase human suffering, and compensate for the potential to dominate human
life on a large scale.
Some advocate genetic engineering because it could rid the human
population of deadly diseases. Somatic gene therapy, a form of genetic
engineering, eliminates unwanted genes and is used to replace them with
beneficial effects.
Such expensive procedures needlessly consume valuable resources that
can be used elsewhere in the healthcare industry with positive results. Those
who cannot afford genetic engineering divide society by reinforcing the divisions
that already exist.
Genetic engineering is a major safety issue that must be considered
before it is used. Genetic engineering works at the molecular level i.e. all steps
should be 100% curated. Failure to do so will result in a series of unwanted and
harmful effects. An author cites “I think the ethics and morals of genetic
engineering are very complicated. It intrigues me” (Spottiswoode 4). Genetic
engineering not only raises safety concerns but also impacts the ethical
component of any medical procedure as defined in religious, ethical, and legal
regulations.
Sajjal Zia
Instructor Name
Course Number
23rd September 2022
Genetic Engineering and its Dangers
Science and technology have advanced by leaps and bounds over the
last two centuries. Consequently, our lives have become more convenient,
connected, productive, and of better quality. However, deep in the laboratories of
the world, there are discoveries being made that have sparked a controversy
regarding their proliferation. Genetic engineering is one such promising
advancement that has growing ethical, social, political, and economic
controversy surrounding it.
There are multiple risks involved in the use of genetic engineering. Risk
can be defined as the likelihood or possibility of harm, chances of loss and injury,
and undesired consequences. The main risks of genetic engineering are:
Genetically modified organisms released into the environment can
increase human suffering, reduce animal welfare, and lead to ecological
disasters. Containment of biotech materials in laboratories and industrial plants
presents two levels of risk.
There are also social and political dangers of genetic engineering.
Genetic engineering has the potential to increase economic inequality,
increase human suffering, and compensate for the potential to dominate human
life on a large scale.
Some advocate genetic engineering because it could rid the human
population of deadly diseases. Somatic gene therapy, a form of genetic
engineering, eliminates unwanted genes and is used to replace them with
beneficial effects.
Such expensive procedures needlessly consume valuable resources that
can be used elsewhere in the healthcare industry with positive results. Those
who cannot afford genetic engineering divide society by reinforcing the divisions
that already exist.
Genetic engineering is a major safety issue that must be considered
before it is used. Genetic engineering works at the molecular level i.e. all steps
should be 100% curated. Failure to do so will result in a series of unwanted and
harmful effects. An author cites “I think the ethics and morals of genetic
engineering are very complicated. It intrigues me” (Spottiswoode 4). Genetic
engineering not only raises safety concerns but also impacts the ethical
component of any medical procedure as defined in religious, ethical, and legal
regulations.
