Genetic Therapy

Paper Summary:

In today's society, the issue of genetic modification is a topic of interest for scientists, the medical profession, and the general public alike. The differences between germ-line genetic modification and somatic genetic modification are of particular interest to most, and within those differences lies a question which many find difficult to answer, that of the moral and ethical issues involved in each type of modification. This paper analyzes current literature on the topic and attempts to show that, while there are differences in the ethical and moral consideration between the two types of genetic modification, both are equally moral.

From the Paper:

"Somatic genetic modification refers to the practice of introducing new genes into humans with the purpose of correcting genetic defects (Elias, Annas, 1992). From a morality standpoint, there are arguments both for and against this practice. First, opponents argue that the use of this form of gene modification may lead to the practice of inserting genes into humans that essentially change the characteristics of the person, reduce humans to technology, or alter the basic idea of being human, as opposed to correcting the defects of that human's genes (Elias, Annas, 1992). As both the President's Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral research and the European Medical Research Council have determined, however, this argument is a fallible one. These two bodies have determined that the use of somatic genetic modification is, in reality, no different than our current practice of organ transplant or blood transfusions (Elias, Annas, 1992). Both are implemented with the distinct purpose of changing the existing human body to perform better."

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