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Genome editing, the process of modifying the DNA sequence of an organism, has raised significant ethical concerns due to its potential implications. Here are some of the key ethical concerns surrounding genome editing:
These ethical concerns highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of genome editing. Ongoing discussions and debates within the scientific community, policymakers, ethicists, and the public are crucial to ensure that the development and application of genome editing technology are guided by ethical principles and responsible oversight.
Let’s talk about what exactly genome editing is. Genome editing involves altering the DNA of an organism to add, remove, or modify genetic material. Techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 have revolutionized this field, which allows us to modify genes precisely and efficiently. These techniques have potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and research, such as genetic disorder correction, improvement of crop resistance to diseases, and studying gene functions.
Even though this is a revolutionary invention, ethical concerns arise with genome editing. One of the major issues is the potential to create unwanted consequences, such as off-target effects, where in parts of the genome that are not supposed to be affected are altered, which may further lead to other health complications – which might be known or completely new.
While these technologies require are highly skilled individuals, and only affordable by the rich community of the society, this will not only lead to making economic inequities wider, at the same time create genetic inequities, leading to another unwanted division in the society.
Another major concern is the use of genome editing in human embryos which can lead to heritable genetic changes. This raises questions about legal consent – as the future generations cannot consent to these modifications. This essentially violates their right to freedom of speech and expression and right to protection of life and liberty. Moreover, there’s fear of “designer babies” where the genetic traits are edited to parents’ choice for non-medical reasons, which will lead to loss of genetic diversity and new forms of discrimination.
While genome editing is a promising and innovative idea for a better future, it requires careful consideration of its ethical implications, strict regulation and essential education about it to the general public.
Genome Editing is a process by which alterations are made to the DNA (genetic material) of an organism. These genetic alterations can cause changes in physical traits like hair colour, eye colour, body height, etc. Editing can be done on somatic cells as well as germline cells. This process has many prospects for example, it can be used to prevent, treat or cure certain diseases.
Inspite of the benefits this technology offers, there are various ethical issues involved.
Some concerns are:
1) Some arguments say that when germline genome is edited, there is alteration in the genome of embryo at its earliest stages, which may effect every cell. This means that it has an impact not only on the person who may result, but also on his/her descendants.
2) Should people be allowed to use this technology to embrace basic human characteristics like height or skin colour?
3) It is difficult to ensure that people completely understand the risks and benefits involved with altering their genome.
4) The high cost of genome editing may make it available only to the wealthy section of society, thus ensuring fair and equitable access is a big challenge.
5) Genetically engineered humans may feel alienated from themselves or feel a confused identity.