Genetic Engineering Moral Ethical Dilemmas A J

Genetic Engineering Moral & Ethical Dilemmas A. J. Palmer 12/02 Genetic Engineering CCHS

Genetic Engineering Plenary Session Andrew Palmer • Pre-natal genetic testing • Designer babies • Is behaviour genetically programmed? • Cloning – an answer to organ transplants? – Of humans - is it right? • Values for the genetic age Genetic Engineering CCHS 2

Pre-natal tests • What do pre-natal test find out – on amniotic fluid – on cells from blastula (PGD) • Gross genetic anomalies, e. g. Down’s, Edward’s, Patau’s, Turner Syndromes - extra / missing chromosomes • Specific gene disorders, but only if expected. e. g. Huntingdon’s • Sex Genetic Engineering CCHS 3

Can we change genes now? • It is possible to add genes non specifically to the whole body. (Fischer - Neckler Children’s Hos. - Paris. ) (rabbits that glow in the dark) • Its becoming possible to direct specific genes to chosen sites. • It may be possible to activate human genes. . . e. g. for intelligence Genetic Engineering CCHS 4

Model & Strong Man Genetic Engineering CCHS 5

Athelete & Academic Some jump!! Brainy or What!! Genetic Engineering CCHS 6

Super Fast Runner Genetic Engineering CCHS 7

Specific Genes • Ace gene for Athleticism – with the long form you can climb to the top of Everest without an oxygen mask – without it • 17 genes for intelligence – identified in fruit flies – same in mice – not confirmed in humans – can activate in mice Genetic Engineering CCHS 8

Knowledge is not free. • It places upon those who know a burden of choice. • Knowledge can be used or abused. • It can bring freedom, life and happiness for many, • but it can also bring misery, suffering and instant or painful death Genetic Engineering CCHS 9

Choices • Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. • Who would get enhanced abilities? • How would it change society? • Would we be ruled by genetically engineered politicians - designed to be the best (or most devious!) Genetic Engineering CCHS 10

Choices 2 apart from silly scare scenarios • Greatest pressure for special babies would come from those who could afford it. • To give advantage to their children. • To be able to say they had one (or more) children who had the best money could buy. • …. Genetic Engineering CCHS 11

Issues & Dangers • Purity of human genome • Long term effects • May not reverse as easily as introduced. • Psychological effects on person of being – manufactured – not normally produced Genetic Engineering CCHS 12

Issues & Dangers 2 • Motive – – – to inherit to save another for immortality to provide parts to replace • relationships – who is your aunt – who is your brother Genetic Engineering CCHS 13

Cloning Humans • Produces similar relationship issues to the IVF abuse described. Hi Mum, its Mum! Genetic Engineering CCHS 14

Other difficulties • Failure rates high – Dolly, 277 attempts – Copy Kitten, 87 attempts • Genetic Damage • Ageing • is it right to produce identical human beings? • Does it abuse eggs? Genetic Engineering CCHS 15

Programmed Behaviour? • Single genes for single traits? - no (very rare) • Genes work together • Blueprint or Recipe • Genes contribute potential, it’s up to you what you do with it. Genetic Engineering CCHS 16

Cloning for Transplants • Change DNA in egg and grow. • A blastula is not a baby. • All cells identical - some will become, liver, kidney, skin, muscle etc. • Aim to direct grow into specific cell types. • Not done yet. Genetic Engineering CCHS 17

Values • • Responsibility Aversion to violence Dynamic Peace Don’t exploit the vulnerable • Personal Righteousness • Justice, Respect & Freedom Genetic Engineering CCHS 18

Questions • When exploring an issue need to find out the right questions to ask. e. g. – Who is involved? – How is each affected? – Does it endanger individuals / everyone ? Genetic Engineering CCHS 19

Conclusions • Great benefits • Equal dangers • Will you think through the issues? • Further information www. genefaith. org Genetic Engineering CCHS 20