Description
Take a position of human cloning/genetic modification and the ethics associated with it. You will look at opposing opinions of what constitutes both sides of the ethics of cloning/genetic modification and then argue for a distinct position of your own (you will argue your unique position on the subject). Your inquiry and final position must include the controversy and debate surrounding the issue. ALL QUOTATION OR PARAPHRASE should be cited in-paper (put the author’s name or another source identifier directly in your paper). Failure to give credit to the author is plagiarism and will result in a zero for the assignment.
Human cloning
(Links to an external site.)
involves implanting the DNA from one organism into an egg whose nucleus has been removed. After being artificially manipulated, the egg behaves as though fertilized and begins developing into a second organism with the same DNA as the first. Some argue that human cloning
(Links to an external site.)
is repugnant; others see it as a valuable treatment for infertility. Some of the concerns about cloning centers on the clone’s physical well-being, as early human cloning attempts, will likely lead to miscarriages, abortions, or deformed babies. Other concerns revolve around ethics; human cloning calls into question reproductive rights and the nature of the family.
CRISPR techniques allow for gene editing, which is the deliberate manipulation of DNA sequences carried out to alter or improve gene function. Its versatility and precision along with its relative simplicity make CRISPR a powerful tool with potential breakthrough applications in immunotherapy and the treatment of practically every known genetic disease.
In August 2019 researchers launched the first CRISPR clinical trials involving human subjects. These efforts involve studies into CRISPR’s applications as a potential treatment for cancer, blindness, and various blood disorders. During the studies, researchers will remove targeted clusters of a subject’s cells, edit their DNA using CRISPR technologies to optimize their disease-fighting capabilities, and then reintroduce the cells to the body. The clinical trials closely follow the October 2018 birth of Chinese twin girls known as Lulu and Nana, claimed by researcher He Jiankui (1984–) to be the world’s first gene-edited human babies. Jiankui purported to deactivate the twins
(Links to an external site.)
‘ CCR5 gene, which facilitates HIV’s ability to gain an infectious foothold in the human body.
Like other forms of gene therapy, gene editing presents many complex ethical considerations. Its safety is unknown, and many experts in the field are concerned about its undetermined and unpredictable long-term effects and side effects. Similarly, informed consent
(Links to an external site.)
is a major issue for gene editing techniques because they are used on embryos and will affect future generations of unborn children. Like gene therapy, gene editing is also expensive and thus may be initially available exclusively to wealthy people, potentially facilitating the engineered creation of an elite, genetically enhanced human superspecies. At a more basic level, many questions whether humans should be interfering in the natural course of human genetics and embryonic development at all, regardless of the potential benefits.
Sample Solution
