Moral and Ethical Issues in Gene Therapy - 5753 Words

Moral and Ethical Issues in Gene Therapy Introduction Genetic research has advanced in a dramatic fashion in the last decade or so, to the point where it has now become possible to attempt therapeutic genetic modification, in a few cases of human genes, where a defects exists which manifests itself in certain serious diseases. This possibility, known as gene therapy, is only in its infancy. At present, no one knows how effective it will prove to be, even in the few conditions on which it is being tried - whether it will only be of relatively limited application, or whether it will open up many wider possibilities. It suffers both over-optimistic claims from some quarters and exaggerated dangers from others, over which the church needs to†¦show more content†¦Putting it in more scientific terms, we are far more than the sum of our DNA complement. Moreover, human beings can be described in terms relationship - first to God who is himself a Trinity of persons, then to ourselves in a true self-awareness in the light who we are in relationship to God, thence to other human beings, and to the rest of God’s created order. Each of these relationships leads to moral precepts which sets bounds to what we may do within such a relationship, which may be applied to genetic technology. In scripture, the problems in which human beings find themselves are expressed in terms of disobedience to God, arising from a broken relationship with him. Failing to relate to God, and thus to our fellow humans, leads to distortions of human behaviour with false precepts, and also to attempting to set up alternative and substitute alliances with things which are non-relational - idolatry. Hubris and Humanity In contemporary technological society, one manifestation is in notions of endless human evolution and improvement - the attitude that â€Å"the sky’s the limit† to human endeavour, which finds an echo in the Old Testament story of the tower of Babel project. Some of the more extravagant claims for the potential of genetics see the human genome project as a further step along the road of human autonomy and mastery over nature. Another basic distortion is the tendency to evaluate all things in a material and economic frame of reference, seeing theShow MoreRelatedThe Controversies Of Gene Therapy1729 Words   |  7 PagesThe Controversies of Gene Therapy Demolishing genetic diseases from the human race has been and always will be a key role in science. However, there comes a point in time when moral standards have interjected the betterment of cleansing genetic diseases. One of the many branches of science that has the complete capability to exterminate our destiny of any genetic diseases, gene therapy, is being silenced due to the curse of society’s moral standards. There is a very narrow line in what is not morallyRead MoreIslamic and Catholic Views on Genetic Engineering1265 Words   |  6 PagesPrimary and Secondary sources found that Gene Enhancement had no place in the religions of Catholicism and Islam; both believe it 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- indeedRead MoreTechnology And Technology1453 Words   |  6 Pagesmany improvements in genetic engineering. This allows researchers to modify a gene and genetics. Researchers and scientists have developed mutations that can repair or destroy defects in the human body. For a number of year’s scientist have been genetically altering crops and animals. This technology went from the big screen to real; some would call it a miracle. Per (Windelspecht, M., Knight, J. 2013), gene therapy is presenting a genetically modified duplicate of a cell then placed into a cellRead More Genetic Engineering: Our Key to a Better World Essay1128 Words   |  5 Pagesthere so much moral controversy surrounding the topic? Genetic engineering as defined by Pete Moore, is the name given to a wide variety of techniques that have one thing in common: they all allow the biologist to take a gene from one cell and insert it into another (SS1). Such techniques included in genetic engineering (both good and bad) are, genetic screening both during the fetal stage and later in life, gene therapy, sex selection in fetuses, and cloning. 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Many new practices including the development of genetically marked cell lines and the delineation of cells transformation by the papaovaviruses polyoma were in the works. Cloned genes became a product of this new DNARead MoreGenetic Engineering And Its Effects1592 Words   |  7 Pagestheir bodies by changing the cells in your body. Genetic engineering can also prevent long-time diseases from continuing in a family and help treat many illnesses. Though it can help many issues, it brings up many problems if used improperly and often abused. Genetic engineering harbors more moral and ethical issues than having beneficial effects; however, the positive uses in specific situations should be acknowledged. Genetic history has been around for over a century now and began when Darwin firstRead MoreDouble-Edged Sword1678 Words   |  7 Pagesevolution to a whole new level—one that is closer to its culmination. They were able to discover the amazing ability of defying nature and manipulating those which holds the code to the individual characteristics of every living organism: genes. Genetic engineering, or gene manipulation, was once but a very popular element of science fictions and films; now, it has been lifted off the pages and television screens, and has become a reality that can actually help humanity overcome many of its imperfectionsRead MoreGenetic Disorders Have Plagued People For Ages1189 Words   |  5 Pagesresearch and new discoveries in gene therapy has brought new hope to those unfortunate individuals that are ailed by their own genetics. Gene therapy is a technique of correcting defective gene sequences specifically responsible for the disease. In 1990, the first successful clinical trial of gene therapy was initiated for adenosine deaminase deficiency (GT). Since then, the number of clinical treatments induced worldwide has increased exponentially. Gene therapies have been a part of modern medicineRead MoreThe Issues Of Gene Technology867 Words   |  4 PagesIssues of gene technology include inappropriate applications, religious issues, and what gives us the right to use such technology. The problems on society include disagreements among different groups of people based on views and opinions. There can economic problems when dealing with genetically modified foods. Legislation mainly focuses on HIPAA and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). They protect information and prohibit genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment