3.2 Human genetic engineering: enhancement vs. therapy
2 min read•july 18, 2024
sparks debate between therapy and enhancement. Therapy aims to treat disorders, while enhancement seeks to improve traits beyond normal functioning. This divide raises ethical concerns about fairness, human identity, and potential societal pressures.
The consequences of genetic engineering could widen socioeconomic gaps and create discrimination. Regulating this field is complex, requiring a balance between individual rights and societal interests. Clear boundaries and international coordination are crucial for responsible advancement.
Human Genetic Engineering: Therapy vs. Enhancement
Genetic therapy vs enhancement
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- Genetic therapy aims to treat or prevent genetic disorders or diseases by restoring normal functioning or alleviating symptoms (cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, inherited cancers)
- aims to improve or enhance human traits beyond normal functioning by augmenting capabilities or appearance (intelligence, athletic performance, cosmetic changes)
Ethics of non-medical engineering
- Concerns about fairness and equality arise as enhanced individuals may have unfair advantages in society, potentially leading to a widening gap between enhanced and unenhanced populations
- Questions about the nature of human identity and authenticity emerge, as modifying genes may be seen as altering the fundamental essence of a person, raising philosophical questions about what it means to be human
- Potential for coercion or social pressure exists, where parents may feel pressured to enhance their children to keep up with societal expectations, and individuals may face discrimination for choosing not to enhance themselves or their offspring
Consequences of genetic divide
- Exacerbation of existing socioeconomic inequalities may occur, as access to genetic enhancements may be limited to the wealthy, creating a "genetic elite" and further marginalizing disadvantaged groups
- Stigmatization and discrimination based on genetic status could arise, with unenhanced individuals facing prejudice or reduced opportunities in employment, insurance, or social settings
- Societal tensions and conflicts may emerge, including resentment or hostility between enhanced and unenhanced populations, potentially leading to social unrest or political movements based on genetic status
Regulation of genetic engineering
- Balancing individual rights with societal interests presents a challenge, as regulations must respect personal autonomy and reproductive freedom while protecting public health and preventing harmful applications
- Defining the boundaries between therapy and enhancement requires establishing clear criteria for distinguishing medical necessity from elective procedures and addressing gray areas where the line between therapy and enhancement is blurred
- International coordination and harmonization of regulations are necessary to ensure consistent standards and enforcement across countries and prevent "genetic tourism" or exploitation of permissive jurisdictions
- Keeping pace with rapid scientific advancements demands adapting regulations to new technologies and techniques and anticipating and addressing emerging ethical concerns
Key Terms to Review (19)
Bioethical implications: Bioethical implications refer to the ethical consequences and considerations that arise from biotechnological advancements, particularly in the context of human health and genetic manipulation. These implications often challenge our understanding of morality, societal norms, and individual rights as they relate to human genetic engineering, which can be divided into two primary categories: enhancement and therapy. As biotechnologies evolve, so too does the need for careful evaluation of the potential risks and benefits associated with their application in real-world scenarios.
CRISPR-Cas9 Development: CRISPR-Cas9 development refers to the revolutionary technology that allows for precise editing of DNA within living organisms. It utilizes a guide RNA to identify specific sequences in the genome and the Cas9 enzyme to cut the DNA, enabling researchers to add, delete, or modify genetic material. This powerful tool has major implications in areas such as human genetic engineering, particularly in discussions around enhancement versus therapy, as it raises ethical questions about modifying human traits and treating genetic disorders.
Deontological ethics: Deontological ethics is a moral theory that emphasizes the importance of following rules or duties in determining ethical behavior, rather than focusing solely on the consequences of actions. This approach asserts that some actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their outcomes, and it is often associated with philosophers like Immanuel Kant, who advocated for duty-based morality.
Enhancement technologies: Enhancement technologies refer to advanced methods and techniques aimed at improving human capabilities beyond the normal range, particularly through genetic engineering and biotechnology. This can include physical, cognitive, or emotional enhancements that go beyond therapeutic applications aimed at curing diseases or alleviating suffering. Such technologies raise significant ethical questions regarding the implications of altering human nature and the potential societal impacts.
FDA: The FDA, or the Food and Drug Administration, is a federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services responsible for protecting public health by regulating food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter medications, vaccines, and other biological products. The FDA plays a critical role in overseeing human genetic engineering and gene editing technologies by ensuring that these innovations are safe and effective for therapeutic use, while also navigating the complex ethical implications surrounding enhancement versus therapy. Additionally, the FDA's regulations impact the pharmaceutical industry, particularly regarding drug pricing, testing processes, and access to new therapies.
Gene therapy: Gene therapy is a medical technique that involves modifying or manipulating genes to treat or prevent diseases, particularly genetic disorders. This approach can either aim to replace defective genes, knock out harmful genes, or introduce new genes to help combat a disease. The distinction between using gene therapy for therapeutic purposes versus enhancement has become a critical debate, especially as new technologies emerge.
Genetic engineering: Genetic engineering is a scientific process that involves altering the genetic material of an organism, allowing for the modification of its traits and characteristics. This technology can lead to significant advancements in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, raising important ethical questions and societal implications.
Genetic enhancement: Genetic enhancement refers to the use of biotechnology to improve or augment specific traits in an organism, beyond what is considered normal or necessary for health. This involves altering genes to enhance physical or cognitive abilities, aesthetics, or other desirable characteristics, as opposed to merely treating or preventing diseases. It raises ethical questions about human potential, societal implications, and the distinction between therapeutic interventions and enhancements.
Germline modification: Germline modification refers to genetic alterations made to the germ cells (sperm and eggs) or the early embryo that can be inherited by future generations. This technique is often discussed in the context of human genetic engineering, particularly regarding the distinction between enhancing human traits versus therapeutic interventions to prevent or treat genetic diseases. The implications of germline modification raise ethical questions about the long-term effects on humanity and the potential for eugenics.
Human Genome Project: The Human Genome Project (HGP) was a landmark scientific initiative aimed at mapping and understanding all the genes of the human species. This ambitious project, which began in 1990 and was completed in 2003, provided the foundational knowledge needed for advances in human genetic engineering, particularly distinguishing between therapeutic interventions to treat genetic disorders and enhancements aimed at improving human capabilities.
Informed Consent: Informed consent is the process by which individuals voluntarily agree to participate in research or medical procedures after being fully informed of the risks, benefits, and alternatives involved. This essential ethical principle ensures that participants have the autonomy to make decisions based on an understanding of what they are agreeing to, emphasizing respect for their rights and well-being.
Naturalness Argument: The naturalness argument is a philosophical perspective that suggests human genetic engineering, particularly when used for enhancement purposes, is morally problematic because it disrupts what is considered 'natural.' This argument raises concerns about the implications of altering human biology and the potential consequences of moving beyond natural human capacities. The debate often centers on the distinction between therapeutic interventions, which aim to treat or prevent disease, and enhancement efforts, which seek to improve human traits or abilities beyond normal functioning.
NHRPAC: NHRPAC stands for the National Human Research Protections Advisory Committee. This committee provides recommendations to the federal government on the ethical conduct of research involving human subjects, particularly in areas like biotechnology and genetic engineering. It focuses on balancing scientific advancement with the protection of human rights and well-being, which is crucial when discussing the differences between genetic enhancement and therapy.
Participant autonomy: Participant autonomy refers to the right of individuals to make informed decisions regarding their own lives and bodies, particularly in the context of medical treatments and interventions. This concept emphasizes the importance of informed consent, where individuals have the freedom to choose whether or not to undergo genetic engineering for enhancement or therapeutic purposes, without coercion or undue influence from others.
Playing God: Playing God refers to the ethical dilemma of humans exerting control over life and death, particularly through advanced technologies such as genetic engineering and biotechnology. This concept raises concerns about the moral implications of manipulating the natural order, where humans make decisions traditionally reserved for nature or a divine being. It often involves debates surrounding enhancement versus therapy in genetic engineering, as well as the implications of creating 'designer babies' through germline editing.
Social Justice in Genetics: Social justice in genetics refers to the ethical and moral principles that ensure equitable access to genetic resources, technologies, and benefits, while also addressing the implications of genetic research and engineering on various populations. This concept emphasizes fairness in how genetic advancements are distributed and the responsibility to prevent discrimination based on genetic information, particularly in the context of human genetic engineering for enhancement versus therapy. It raises questions about who benefits from these technologies and how societal inequalities can be exacerbated or alleviated through genetic practices.
Therapeutic Cloning: Therapeutic cloning is a process that involves creating an embryo through somatic cell nuclear transfer for the purpose of harvesting stem cells that can be used for medical treatments. This method aims to generate tissues or organs that are genetically identical to the patient, minimizing the risk of rejection. The connection to human genetic engineering lies in its potential to provide therapy for diseases by repairing or replacing damaged cells, while its ethical implications arise from the debate on the moral status of embryos and the differences between enhancement and therapy.
Unintended consequences: Unintended consequences refer to outcomes that are not foreseen or intended by an action, often arising in complex systems where interactions are difficult to predict. In the context of human genetic engineering, these consequences can manifest when enhancing or modifying genes, potentially leading to unforeseen effects on individuals, populations, or ecosystems. Such outcomes challenge the ethical implications of genetic manipulation, especially when considering the distinction between therapeutic interventions and enhancements.
Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being. It connects to various aspects of ethical decision-making, especially in fields like biotechnology, where actions are often evaluated based on their consequences for individuals and society.