Is genetic engineering ethical in society?
Introduction
Over the past years, ethics has been the main issue of concern. This article aims to show if genetic engineering can be allowed in society. Genetic engineering has displayed many benefits, but people tend not to risk it, since at the same time it can be disastrous to nature. Scientists explain that genetic engineering is not harmful as people may perceive it to be. They are working towards making genetic engineering accepted.
How is genetic engineering ethical as well as unethical?
Some religions find genetic engineering unethical
According to most religions, God is the creator of everything on earth. They believe in appreciating God's work of hands rather than what is created by their fellow human beings. Carrying out genetic engineering modifies the genetic makeup of living organisms. Altering God's creation is like destroying what is sacred, and it shows a lack of appreciation for God's creation. Therefore, most religious people perceive genetic engineering as unethical.
Genetic engineering in agriculture
Genetic engineering is applied in agriculture for increasing plant and animal production. For instance, genetic engineering is used to enable cows to produce more milk for farmers, therefore, increasing their income. In poor region's availability of enough food is a major issue. The idea of planting genetically modified crops can be preferably applied. The genetically modified crops can have features such as drought resistance and the production of many larger crops. Improvement of goods security in poor rural areas shows that genetic engineering is ethical.
Cloning
The discovery of cloning as a result of genetic engineering was a mind-blowing surprise. Cloning first experimented on animals, which unfortunately ended up as a failure. Scientists had goals of further extending their experiments to humans but due to the unsuccessful animal cloning, it was generally assumed to be harmful to human beings. Cloning leads to the wastage of lives which are such as the fetus and fully grown animals that could have survived in their natural lives. Human cloning can cause genetic conditions that are dangerous (Pow ledge,2002). It viewed to be unethical due to the dangers that it can cause to the lives of human beings and animals.
Making of vaccines
Scientists use genetic engineering in the production of vaccines. Dead or inactive bacteria or virus induced in the body system, which eventually leads to an increase in the body's immunity. The virus or the bacteria can not cause any infections in the body since it has been made inactive or is already dead. The Covid-19, vaccine, genetically formed. When the vaccine injected into the human body, it enables immunity to become stronger, reducing the risk of coronavirus taking over the body. Most people agree with the production of genetically modified viruses as a vaccine is acceptable since it saves many lives.
Animal extinction
Genetic engineering may lead to the extinction of specific animals or plants. Genetically formed fish may cause the elimination of a naturally existing fish. They may compete for the same food in the process, the naturally existing fish may die due to a lack of enough food. Any factor that leads to the extinction of animals or plants, is avoided since it is a threat to the existence of different species of plants and animals. In this situation, genetic modification is considered unethical by society.
Advancement in the medical sector
Genetic modification improves medical treatment, saving lives by treatment of diseases process used in carrying out this treatment is genetically editing. Examples of human diseases which could be treated through genetic engineering are cancer and diabetes. Genetic engineering also enables the diagnosis of diseases. Scientists are looking forward to curing incurable diseases, such as AIDS, through genetic engineering (Fleischman WR,1996). In the development of medical treatment, genetic engineering is considered as being ethical.
Increased resistance of insects to pesticides
Insects can become resistant to certain pesticides that are made using genetically modified plants. The insects may adapt to the pesticides, therefore they are not affected by pesticides. People tend to be against genetic engineering, referring to it as unethical since the resistance of insects to pesticides, affects people negatively. Resistance to pesticides by a mosquito could cause an increase in their population, leading to widespread malaria. At this point, genetic modification is unacceptable.
Allergens transfer
Allergens transfer can occur in the process of including the two food plants Allergens mainly occur in genetically modified protein food plants. Brazilian soybeans contain allergens after the transfer of genes to them. When consumed, it causes a dangerous allergy in some human beings. The selling of Brazilian Soybeans in the public market has been denied since it risks the lives of people (Smith JM,2003). The presence of allergens in plant foods has led to some people being against genetic engineering.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, bringing out the topic of genetic engineering surfaces different reactions from people. Some people view it as a way of changing direction from the normal natural life, while others find it beneficial and suggest embracing the new way of life. Ethics in genetics is two-sided, since it is both beneficial and disadvantageous. Genetic engineering should be deeply discussed and debated to end up with a strong solution.
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