Posted: January 16th, 2023
The case for genetically engineered babies
DESCRIPTION:
“The case for genetically engineered babies by Christopher gyngell and “The case Against Human Gene Editing” by Brendan Foht. Use both essays to support and argument that can be supported by your own experience you have from others and your own ideas. Develop a thesis statement that clearly states your opinion. Provide proper support of argument and evidence to show why you opposing point of view falls short.
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The debate surrounding the ethics of genetically engineered babies has been ongoing for decades. In recent years, the development of new technologies has made it possible for scientists to edit the genes of human embryos, raising new ethical questions and concerns. In “The Case for Genetically Engineered Babies” by Christopher Gyngell and “The Case Against Human Gene Editing” by Brendan Foht, the authors present different perspectives on this topic. While Gyngell argues that genetically engineering babies is a necessary step towards improving human health and well-being, Foht argues that the risks and potential harms of human gene editing outweigh any potential benefits.
My thesis statement is that while the potential benefits of genetically engineered babies are tempting, we must consider the ethical and societal implications before proceeding with such a technology. There are several reasons why human gene editing should be approached with caution.
First, Foht argues that the risks and potential harms of human gene editing outweigh any potential benefits. He points out that the technology is still relatively new and not fully understood, and that there is a risk of unintended consequences. For example, editing a gene to prevent a certain disease may also have the unintended effect of creating new health problems. Additionally, there is a risk of creating “designer babies,” where parents can choose certain traits for their children, leading to a society where people are judged based on their genetic makeup.
Second, Gyngell’s argument that genetically engineering babies is a necessary step towards improving human health and well-being falls short when considering the societal implications of such technology. It is true that genetic engineering has the potential to prevent certain diseases and conditions, but it also has the potential to exacerbate existing inequalities and create new ones. For example, genetic engineering may only be accessible to a select few, leading to a society where some individuals have access to better health and well-being than others. Additionally, there is a risk that genetic engineering will be used to create a “perfect” human, leading to a society where individuals who do not meet certain genetic standards are marginalized or discriminated against.
Third, human gene editing raises a number of ethical questions. Foht points out that the technology raises the question of whether we have the right to edit the genes of future generations, and whether we have the right to create “designer babies.” Additionally, there is the question of what happens to individuals who do not meet certain genetic standards, and whether society has an obligation to provide support and care for them.
Finally, my own experience and ideas support the argument that human gene editing should be approached with caution. While I can see the potential benefits of genetic engineering, such as preventing certain diseases and conditions, I also believe that the technology raises a number of ethical and societal questions that must be addressed before proceeding. Additionally, I believe that we need to consider the potential consequences of human gene editing, such as creating a society where some individuals have access to better health and well-being than others, and where individuals who do not meet certain genetic standards are marginalized or discriminated against.
While the potential benefits of genetically engineered babies are tempting, we must consider the ethical and societal implications before proceeding with such a technology. The risks and potential harms of human gene editing outweigh any potential benefits, and the technology raises a number of ethical questions that must be addressed. Additionally, my own experience and ideas support the argument that human gene editing should be approached with caution. It is important to carefully weigh the benefits and risks of this technology before making a decision, and consider the ethical and societal implications of the technology.