genetic engineering moral & ethical dilemmas a. j. palmer 12/02
TRANSCRIPT
Genetic Engineering
Moral & EthicalDilemmas
A. J. Palmer12/02
Genetic Engineering - CCHS
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Genetic Engineering
Plenary SessionAndrew Palmer
• Pre-natal genetic testing• Designer babies• Is behaviour genetically
programmed?• Cloning
– an answer to organ transplants?– Of humans - is it right?
• Values for the genetic age
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Pre-natal tests
• What do pre-natal test find out– on amniotic fluid– on cells from blastula (PGD)
• Gross genetic anomalies, e.g. Down’s, Edward’s, Patau’s, Turner Syndromes- extra / missing chromosomes
• Specific gene disorders, but only if expected. e.g. Huntingdon’s
• Sex
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Can we change genes now?
• It is possible to add genes non specifically to the whole body.(Fischer - Neckler Children’s Hos. - Paris.)(rabbits that glow in the dark)
• Its becoming possible to direct specific genes to chosen sites.
• It may be possible to activate human genes ...e.g. for intelligence
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Model & Strong Man
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Athelete & Academic
Some jump!!
Brainy or What!!
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Super FastRunner
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Specific Genes
• Ace gene for Athleticism– with the long form you can
climb to the top of Everest without an oxygen mask
– without it
• 17 genes for intelligence– identified in fruit flies– same in mice– not confirmed in humans– can activate in mice
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Knowledge is not free.
• It places upon those who know a burden of choice.
• Knowledge can be used or abused.
• It can bring freedom, life and happiness for many,
• but it can also bring misery, suffering and instant or painful death
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Choices
• Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should.
• Who would get enhanced abilities?
• How would it change society?
• Would we be ruled by genetically engineered politicians - designed to be the best (or most devious!)
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Choices 2apart from silly scare scenarios
• Greatest pressure for special babies would come from those who could afford it.
• To give advantage to their children.
• To be able to say they had one (or more) children who had the best money could buy.
• ….
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Issues & Dangers
• Purity of human genome• Long term effects• May not reverse as easily
as introduced.• Psychological effects on
person of being– manufactured– not normally produced
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Issues & Dangers 2• Motive
– to inherit– to save another– for immortality– to provide parts– to replace
• relationships– who is your aunt– who is your
brother
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Cloning Humans
• Produces similar relationship issues to the IVF abuse described.
Hi Mum, its Mum!
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Other difficulties
• Failure rates high– Dolly, 277 attempts– Copy Kitten, 87 attempts
• Genetic Damage• Ageing• is it right to produce
identical human beings?• Does it abuse eggs?
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Programmed Behaviour?
• Single genes for single traits? - no (very rare)
• Genes work together• Blueprint or Recipe • Genes contribute
potential, it’s up to you what you do with it.
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Cloning for Transplants
• Change DNA in egg and grow.
• A blastula is not a baby.• All cells identical - some
will become, liver, kidney, skin, muscle etc.
• Aim to direct grow into specific cell types.
• Not done yet.
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Values
• Responsibility• Aversion to violence• Dynamic Peace• Don’t exploit the
vulnerable• Personal Righteousness • Justice, Respect &
Freedom
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Questions
• When exploring an issue need to find out the right questions to ask. e.g.– Who is involved?– How is each affected?– Does it endanger
individuals / everyone ?
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Conclusions
• Great benefits• Equal dangers• Will you think through the
issues?
• Further informationwww.genefaith.org