CRISPR also known as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats refers to a gene-editing mechanism that can be used to change the DNA sequence. This type of gene editing is being explored with the aim of enhancing the quality of life. It however comes with a raft of ethical implications as it seeks to vary the essence of who you are. Imagine having a version of you that has been improved and can play slots on kasyno online better than you currently can.
Ethical Implications
Gene editing results in distortion of the human DNA so that a part of the sequence is cut off and removed. The effects of this removal are quite unpredictable and some of the ethical questions arising include:
- Safety: it is still unclear what editing the DNA sequence can result in. Though several studies have been conducted and scientists are still researching the matter, there is no definite answer that the process is completely safe. On the one hand, gene editing can be beneficial in that there can be an adjustment to remove genetic diseases from the sequence and even prevent diseases such as HIV by deleting the part of the sequence these diseases would attach to. However, it is still not known whether this removal would now make the individuals more susceptible to other diseases. Would it be a case of jumping out of the frying pan by avoiding certain diseases and into the fire by exposing humans to even deadlier diseases? A lot of research still needs to be conducted to make the process safe for both current and future generations.
- Lack of consent: in medicine, it is always emphasized that a patient should fully understand the procedures they go through beforehand. In the case of gene modification, would the patients actually understand what is happening? More so, when it comes to modification that could potentially be done on a fetus. Will the parent be justified in making that decision even though the child may not be interested in it once they are born?
- Genetic engineering: the fact that it is possible to edit genes to come up with a different sequence thus creating an improved version of an organism means it is possible to engineer for aesthetic purposes. Therefore, someone can start shopping around and want to tailor-make a baby that perhaps has added attributes that have nothing to do with removing genes that would cause disease. A potential parent would want to maybe have a child with higher intelligence, more fair skin, or even superior looks. All these issues raise concern as it would enhance discrepancies in society with the wealthy potentially even creating their dominant race.
- Accessibility: the technology involved is pricey therefore, it may be accessible only to the upper class. This would mean that from the beginning, only the wealthy will have the opportunity to get their genes edited thus improving their bloodlines. However, the less fortunate in society may not have this chance. Does it then mean that the rich get better healthcare opportunities while the poor keep struggling with diseases that have already been edited away? Would this eventually lead to a situation where certain parts of society are wiped away by diseases that have been eradicated for the wealthy by the wealthy?
- Playing god: essentially, this technology aims to change the sequence of what an organism was meant to be. Whether it is a human being or a rat in the lab, there are certain key sequences in the DNA that are predetermined by a higher power. Once a scientist starts to tinker with this sequence then could it not potentially be an avenue of creating your creatures separate from what is intended?
- Selective breeding: CRISPR may result in a situation whereby only desirable traits are encouraged in humans meaning those with undesirable traits are eradicated. Or even worse, there could be mass genocides to remove those deemed to be the weaklings. This situation already occurred during the holocaust where millions were killed because they were thought to be inferior.
Navigating the ethical dilemmas of gene editing involves open conversations among scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and the public to set guidelines that prioritize safety, fairness, and respect for individual choices, ensuring responsible and beneficial outcomes for all. So how to solve the ethical dilemma of using gene editing?
- Inclusivity: all stakeholders should be included in the discussion around CRISPR. This includes all religious groups no matter how diverse their views may be.
- Sensitization: there should be more information provided to the public on the matter. People do not really have sufficient information on what exactly this editing entails. Therefore, most of the reactions come from a place of fear instead of from a point of knowledge.
- Regulation: there should be cooperation among all the governments to ensure a unified standpoint is established from the beginning. Since it is still relatively unexplored territory, it is paramount that uniform standards are applied by scientists the world over and the process is carefully monitored.
Although it is possible to eradicate some human suffering by editing away diseases, care must be placed in ensuring that this process is properly regulated. The world leaders should come together and collaborate to ensure the process is safe and worthwhile for everyone.
