For the Human Genome
I believe that the Human Genome should be altered due to all the beneficial purposes this would have. If we were able to modify genetics, great changes would be made to this world! Modifying genes means that the medical field will advance dramatically, people would be encouraged to have better morals, and the economy will improve. If hospitals were allowed to change the DNA code of an individual who is suffering with leukaemia, this would not only save the victims life, but also save time. If other patients are in the hospital with severe injuries like an amputated limb, that cannot be saved by altering this persons genes after the harm is already done, then doctors will have more time to focus on stopping the gushing blood and ensuring the open-wound does not get infected. There will be decreases in fatal illnesses and more hope in this world for winning the battle of cancerous diseases.
Next, if we are able to modify the human genome this would greatly help the economy improve. As previously mentioned that there will be less fatal diseases, this means that less hospital beds and less costly treatments will be required. For instance, chemotherapy and pain medications are not cheap to consumers, hospitals, or the government. So by being able to prevent these diseases from even beginning, money for everyone will be saved. Also, if there are higher survivor rates, this means that there are greater quantities of people who can enter back into the work force. The money cycle will have consistent flow if people in society are healthy and can work towards other crisis' that will eventually destroy our economy in the long run like global warming.
Lastly, if the human genome can be altered then overall people will be better human-beings. People will be encouraged to have better morals because how guilty would a parent feel if they were made fully aware at birth that their child would develop juvenile arthritis and the parents had a choice of fixing the issue by altering their child's DNA, but chose not to. If people are aware of these diseases and knew that they could simply alter DNA for the greater good, more would be encouraged to make the right decision. For it is morally wrong to know that a fetus will develop cystic fibrosis but not try to change the code in which causes this life-long illness. Altering the Human Genome will only benefit everyone on earth in the long run, so why not say we tried!
Next, if we are able to modify the human genome this would greatly help the economy improve. As previously mentioned that there will be less fatal diseases, this means that less hospital beds and less costly treatments will be required. For instance, chemotherapy and pain medications are not cheap to consumers, hospitals, or the government. So by being able to prevent these diseases from even beginning, money for everyone will be saved. Also, if there are higher survivor rates, this means that there are greater quantities of people who can enter back into the work force. The money cycle will have consistent flow if people in society are healthy and can work towards other crisis' that will eventually destroy our economy in the long run like global warming.
Lastly, if the human genome can be altered then overall people will be better human-beings. People will be encouraged to have better morals because how guilty would a parent feel if they were made fully aware at birth that their child would develop juvenile arthritis and the parents had a choice of fixing the issue by altering their child's DNA, but chose not to. If people are aware of these diseases and knew that they could simply alter DNA for the greater good, more would be encouraged to make the right decision. For it is morally wrong to know that a fetus will develop cystic fibrosis but not try to change the code in which causes this life-long illness. Altering the Human Genome will only benefit everyone on earth in the long run, so why not say we tried!
I enjoyed reading your blog. I understand the points that you are providing and why you would think the way that you do. However, I don't believe that just a change in gene will make human-beings overall better. I wouldn't say it would better their morals either because sometimes you never know what the outcome can be. The doctor can say one thing and something else could happen by accident. I also guarantee that many people will have issues that come from different directions that will increase conflict. As well, for the economy there are factors that may be good but, what about the population increase, it could decrease resources and increase many more issues.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with some of your points, if we knew everything about what we were doing and we did not have to invest more into it. The money already invested in this project is crazy and if an extra couple million would have to be invested it wouldn't be right if this money could have been invested into a cure for these diseases. Going through this process might create an opening for other diseases to be generated. Modifying certain things about a certain person is not a good idea as people are made the way they are for certain reasons, it makes everyone unique for the better, it creates diversity. If everyone were the same the world would be boring. A substitute for this should be made where genes are not modified.
ReplyDeleteHi Marissa, I liked reading your points about this controversial topic, however, your last point I disagree with.... I think parents should not even be given the option to find out whether not their unborn child will have whatever genetic disease... Just like some parents decide to keep the gender a surprise. I think that people shouldn't be presented with such a difficult decision and topic of discussion... That is just like opening pandora's box. Also, what do you mean by "more would be encouraged to make the right decision" if they knew if their child will develop a certain disease? Are you talking about termination like some people do nowadays? or genetically modify the specific sequence for the disease? Even then... is it even possible to modify the genes of an unborn child? Wouldn't this have some unknown effects?
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