Save the Human Genome

why we should SAVE THE HUMAN GENOME from genetic engineering

unethical. unnatural.

“This is a technology that could have profound implications for permanent alteration of the human genome"

- MOLECULAR BIOLOGIST, Jennifer Doudna

University of California

Although genetic engineering is evolving, it has yet to be proven safe. It is the process in which we alter structure and nature of genes to transform it in a way that is favourable or desirable. 

GENE OF INTEREST + TARGET ORGANISM = FAVOURABLE TRAIT 

The ability to alter the human genome opens the door to many potential controversial and unknown effects. I think correcting genetic defects is unnecessary and not worth the risk. Genes are what make us all unique and therefore should not be modified. 

EMBRYOS ARE UNABLE TO GIVE CONSENT. 
They have no say in the changes that are imposed upon them. They can't go against these intentional modifications to make them different. Who is to decide which genes need "improving"? Would they be accountable if something went wrong? Attempting to fix mutations may just cause more mutations in these vulnerable embryos and our effort to save it may end up being harmful. Genetically engineered individuals will have to live with whatever the genetic tampering has caused. 

UNCERTAINITY AND THE BIG QUESTION MARK BY SAFETY.

Genetic engineering has improved and become much more efficient, however it doesn't go without unknowns. We need to take into account the levels of risk that might be involved with genome editing procedures and before proceeding we need to be able to address these dangers. The human body is so complex and playing with its genetic makeup would be unethical. These current technologies can have unpredictable effects on future generations. A major concern is long term health implications that may come into play. In addition to this, genetic engineering does not have a 100% success rate, meaning we should fear the chances of the gene not being expressed and instead having a negative impact on the individual. Genetic engineering is far from being a perfect science, but if we're working to modify HUMANS, I think all the possible risks and precautions should be known and prepared for. There is so much we don't know. The human genome shouldn't be tampered with or touched in the first place if there is so much uncertainty. 

GENETIC DIVERSITY IS LIMITED and OVERPOPULATION IS LIKELY. 

Genetically engineering species would have a detrimental effect on our genetic diversity which would cause humanity to be more susceptible to disease. This will disrupt our natural balance and more so cause overpopulation. Although genetic engineering works to prevent diseases, it would also cause fewer people to be affected by these fatal sicknesses and eventually cause some serious problems involving insufficient resources on Earth to sustain the growing population like employment, living space, energy sources and food. We are already seeing the strains put on the Earth by todays society and genetic therapy will only worsen the circumstances. With genetic modification, comes a smaller range of varied DNA throughout humanity meaning lowered ability to adapt and overall a decrease in uniqueness amongst us. Future generations will completely lose their individuality because there will surely be a consensus as to what genes are desirable and which ones are not. A positive change upstream leads to a negative change downstream. 

IN CONCLUSION, I believe that genetic engineering is completely unethical and totally disrupts the natural process of development and growth as humans. I feel as though forcing genes to combine with those of an individual is only going to hurt us in the long run. Why should we permanently alter the genetic code of future generations? Although biotechnology has assisted in many scientific breakthroughs, modifying the complexity of the human genome is simply misusing it. 




REFERENCES

Washington, Associated Press in. "Scientists Debate Ethics of Human Gene Editing at International Summit." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 01 Dec. 2015. Web. 18 June 2017.

"The Ethics of Changing Genes in the Embryo." Eurostemcell. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 June 2017.

"Human Genetic Engineering Cons: Why This Branch of Science is so Controversial." Bright Hub. N.p., 14 Oct. 2009. Web. 18 June 2017.