The Benefits of Allowing Mankind to Alter Genetic Code
Since successfully completing the sequencing of the Human Genome in 2003, many have wondered what this could mean for the future of the human race. Well, this could mean a whole new world, and improved lives for many. Although many fear that altering the genetic code would be interfering and attempting to “play God”, this would only be true if taken too far. It becomes questionable and unethical when people start trying to create the “perfect” person by modifying genes coding for esthetics, such as hair, eye and skin colour, or when taken beyond medical purposes. That being said, there are many benefits to altering the genetic code that would change the world of medicine forever.
Research to find the cure to many genetic diseases such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy (to name a few), has been ongoing for many years costing billions of dollars and the lives of many along the way. Altering genetic code could be the answer; the elimination of these life altering diseases. In order to treat these diseases through the alteration of genes, there is potential for a treatment called gene therapy. Gene therapy would mean either repairing or replacing the genes coding a particular disease, or coding for a gene that is able to fight against it. In the event that you question the validity of this possibly life changing cure and whether it is worth taking the risk, there have already been many success stories regarding gene therapy. For example, gene therapy has been used in a clinical trial to cure hereditary blindness. According to the University of Utah, the treatment was proven to “greatly improve vision for at least a few years.” Now that is just the start of what gene therapy could do. From gifting the blind with vision, to extending a cancer patient’s life, to removing the increasing pain and suffering of a person with Huntington’s Disease, gene therapy truly would improve the quality of life of many and result in an overall happier and healthier world.
Not only would gene therapy be useful in the treatment of diseases outside of the womb, it would allow for diseases to be eliminated even before entering the world. Since many diseases are easily and very commonly detected early on in pregnancies through blood tests, amniocentesis’ and other tests, the genes could be modified to eliminate the abnormalities before the child has the chance to suffer. In modifying the genes at such an early stage, we would be providing for a better quality of life for these individuals without causing any ‘interruption’ during their lifetime. Additionally, studies have shown that prenatal diagnosis of many genetic diseases results in abortion rates of anywhere from 50% to over 90% depending on the disease. That being said, providing people with the option to cure the diseases would lead to a decrease in abortion rates due to genetic disorders.
Now that we know the benefits of alteration of genes on pre-life and midlife, how could it help us in our later years? Well, it could actually impose many benefits and reduce the effects of aging on our bodies. Not that we should modify the genetic code to remain looking youthful forever, but rather eliminating genes for diseases that cause rapid deterioration and make for aging to be a struggle for many. Since our elderly years are our last years on Earth and the ones which we are supposed to enjoy, we should be able to enjoy them to their fullest without having to worry about suffering from Alzheimer's and Dementia, or any physically impairing genetic diseases.
Finally, the benefits of permitting mankind to alter genes go beyond their treatment capabilities. Allowing for this to occur could mean reducing research costs globally and costs of medical care for individuals living with these disorders. Billions of research dollars are spent each year searching for the cure for cancer. By choosing to prohibit mankind from altering genes we would be pouring more money into a seemingly endless battle. At the same time, by allowing alteration of genetic code we would be reducing healthcare costs for individuals by eliminating the need for costly treatment. According to Value in Health, a scientific journal, it costs an average of $15,571 per year to treat a cystic fibrosis patient. By focusing on furthering research for genetic alteration, we would be putting money toward a cure for a multitude of different diseases rather than just one, and once found, medical costs would be reduced exponentially.
To conclude, there are many benefits associated with permitting mankind to alter genetic code. From ending terminal illnesses, to improving overall quality of life, and reducing costly research, gene altering would positively impact the lives of many. Although the genetic treatment should not be forced upon anyone, if we have the opportunity to potentially improve quality of life and life expectancy of the population, why not provide people with the option to do so?
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I found your post very insightful! Touching down on the benefits of gene therapy in the later years of life is an excellent reason why humanity should be able to modify their genome! As well, addressing the concerns regarding ethics dispels some of the doubt many would have with gene therapy.
ReplyDeleteResearch may be carried out to find cures to many diseases, but what if there are worse possible outcomes that tag along with changing genes? Then even more research will have to be done to find cures for that, which takes lots of time and money. It is not smart to play with nature, and to just change are genetic DNA because why make the slightest change to risk another?
ReplyDeleteIn the third paragraph, I do not agree with trying to change a child before they are even born. Manipulating their genetic DNA can cause issues with the development of the fetus. Since the science advancement is fairly new, we also do not know enough about genes to predict that we will get the phenotype that we expect when they are born. If there are worse outcomes when the baby is born, it is whoever decided to change the genes fault if there are complications later on in life. We are born and created a certain way for specific reasons and should not play around with human DNA.
Also, if we prolonged everybody's lives, the world would become overpopulated with people which can lead to environmental issues, and natural resources will become limited that help us survive.
Great job getting your argument across! I agree with your stand on wanting to improve the overall quality of a humans life and wanting to eliminate these diseases without worrying about an expensive cost. However, as I was reading I noticed you mentioned that abnormalities can be eliminated before the child has the chance to suffer. From my knowledge, I am aware that some of these genetic diseases can protect you from other mutations. An example of this is cystic fibrosis protects against tuberculosis or sickle-cell anemia protects against malaria. My question to you is, how will these diseases be avoided then? Also, in your third paragraph you mentioned that billions of dollars are spent each year searching for the cure for cancer and that allowing alterations of the genetic code would be reducing healthcare costs. I disagree with this because the gene modification is not guaranteed, thus for those that are unsuccessful, will they not be receiving the funding required? Also, this money goes towards diseases that are not only hereditary but can occur later in life. For example, cancer can develop due to exposure of carcinogens in the environment. With saying that, there may be some benefits from altering DNA however is this opportunity worth the risk?
ReplyDeleteHi Hannah, I appreciate the further insight. You mentioned how altering the genetic code only crosses ethical barriers when taken too far. What, in terms of genetics, is too far?
ReplyDeleteYou provided a strong argument regarding why genetic engineering holds the potential to save lives, specifically involving the use of gene therapy. It is true that there has been multiple success stories when curing disease and correcting genetic disorders, but has there been any repercussions resulting from these procedures? The long-term effects are not yet identified, which furthers the risk of interfering with nature. It is also important to recognize how these refurbished genes may be more susceptible to disease and mutation. Without years of testing the durability of these modified genes, it is risking a human's life.
When permitting mankind to alter genes for the purpose of extending human life span, the benefits are clear. However, there are numerous consequences involving overpopulation and economic strain. If people were to live longer, natality rates would skyrocket with not enough deaths to compensate. In addition, a longer life span would allow adults to maintain a career for much longer. As a result, this will lesson job opportunities for our future youth.