Just Because We Can Doesn’t Mean We Should

Just Because We Can Doesn’t Mean We Should

Do you take every opportunity that arises in your life? The answer is probably a no, because if you did, would you be alive? Every day, you are given the chance to do many things, like try new foods and talk to new people. Sometimes, you are given riskier opportunities like biking without a helmet (rebellious!) or even jumping into a freezing cold lake with nobody around. You sometimes know that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits, and deny these opportunities.

Genetic engineering is no exception;

we don't have to take this opportunity

What is Genetic Engineering?

Genetic engineering involves the manipulation of genetic material of organisms in order to attain desired traits. More simply, it is changing an organism to make it look, or act a specific way (NHGRI, 2006). In the past, plants have been genetically modified in order to grow crops with a higher product yield and to product more aesthetically pleasing produce. We have now been given the opportunity to do similar things to humans, but just because we can do so doesn’t necessarily mean that we should. Furthermore, just because we have always done something doesn’t mean we always have to do it. In the past, we have taken advantage of any scientific advancement that arises, but maybe this time, we need to think twice.

What makes this opportunity different?

This endeavour involves human rights and risks that may not make this opportunity worth the shot. 

What Makes a Human “Undesirable?”

Homo sapiens were created through evolution and we likely won't be here forever. Why not trust the system of evolution that has brought us to where we are today?

This technology was produced in part to remove undesirable traits from the population, a process coined as eugenics. However, what truly makes a human undesirable? Everyone has their beauties and and flaws; while someone may be smart, they may not be athletic; while someone may be creative, they may suffer from depression. Perhaps, these positives and negatives are interconnected. Maybe a depressed mind brings out forms of creativity that a ‘sound’ mind may not. Albert Einstein wasn’t perceived as smart in his younger years. Had his genes been altered, perhaps his mind would not have yielded such amazing things later on. Beethoven was deaf and composed music that is still beautiful today. Who knows if his disability helped him imagine sounds that he wouldn't have imagined had he been 'healthy.' Some people with autism have amazing memories, and some people with Down Syndrome bring great joy into the world. Perhaps we need to rethink the term 'undesirable,' because everyone is desirable in their own way. It simply takes the right perspective to see it.

Are We Hindering Our Species' Development?

Watson’s ideas stemmed from the drive to create a better quality of life for all individuals. However, we have repeatedly learned that biodiversity is the cornerstone of the health and stability of ecosystems. If all humans are manipulated to have desirable traits, there will likely be less variation within organisms. Genetic variation is necessary for natural selection, allowing species to evolve. If we get in the way of this process, the natural path of human evolution may be hindered, stopping us, as a whole, from becoming an even stronger population. Furthermore, this genetic diversity allows certain members of many species to adapt to different conditions, allowing the species to remain alive through potentially undesirable circumstances (National Geographic, June 2017). For example, sickle-cell anemia has allowed humans to survive in malaria-infested areas, which is something they may not have been able to do had their genes been pre-selected against this disease.

Therefore, while genetic manipulation may be helpful to the individual, it may hinder the species in the long run.

The Unknowns

With success comes failure, and in this case, humans may be placed at high risk when using this technology. Perhaps a mistake will be made in the genetic manipulation, creating a new disease that could harm the human. Furthermore, the potential long-term side-effects associated with this technology are unknown. Perhaps after a while the body will begin to reject these genes. Is it really fair to allow future humans to suffer, without their own consent, in order to find out the potential long-term risks?

Do We Need it, or Want it?

As with many other medical procedures comes the topic of need vs. want. Where would the line be drawn between creating a 'healthier' individual vs. an individual who is pleasing, whether it be aesthetically or by personality? Where is the line drawn between cosmetic genetic manipulation and genetic manipulation for the benefit in terms of a better quality of life? For example, if people with paler skins have statistically higher salaries, would manipulating skin tone be seen as a human benefit or as a cosmetic benefit? Would this type of genetic manipulation be paid for by Canadian Health Care or would it be treated as a cosmetic surgery? While it may help some individuals live a better quality of life, it may be unnecessary to many. There are also alternative methods of treatment of lower risk, such as alternative sperm or eggs if the parent's sperm or egg carries genetic illness.

Humans often get lost in the topic of 'ideals;' while something may be appealing, we may not need it to be happy and healthy.

This form of technology, while having the aim to promote equality in terms of health, may further segregate individuals based on their social class and ability to purchase such treatments. 

In sum, humans have come to life through many hardships in their ancestors' pasts. Adaptation has allowed us to become who we are today. Why should we stop this process from taking its natural path, only to risk the health of the species and of individuals? We are who we are for a reason and the beauty of life is finding that reason. 

Works Cited

(1) Cocokoreena. "DNA - Episode 5 of 5 - Pandora's Box - PBS Documentary." YouTube. YouTube, 23 Mar. 2013. Web. 18 June 2017.

(2) "Genetic Enhancement." National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). N.p., Apr. 2006. Web. 18 June 2017.

(3) Porostocky, Art By Thomas. "Pro and Con: Should Gene Editing Be Performed on Human Embryos?" National Geographic. N.p., 13 June 2017. Web. 18 June 2017.

(4) Regalado, Antonio. "We Uncovered the Plan to Engineer the Human Species." MIT Technology Review. MIT Technology Review, 07 Apr. 2016. Web. 18 June 2017.

(5) "Should We Genetically Modify Humans?" University of Utah Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 June 2017.