Genetic Engineering Moral & Ethical Dilemmas A. J. Palmer 12/02

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

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Genetic Engineering Moral & Ethical Dilemmas A. J. Palmer 12/02