Transcript No Slide Title

Genetic Engineering
Moral & Ethical
Dilemmas
A. J. Palmer
12/02
Genetic Engineering
Plenary Session
Andrew 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
Genetic Engineering CCHS
2
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
Genetic Engineering CCHS
3
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
Genetic Engineering CCHS
4
Model &
Strong Man
Genetic Engineering CCHS
5
Athelete &
Academic
Some jump!!
Brainy or
What!!
Genetic Engineering CCHS
6
Super Fast
Runner
Genetic Engineering CCHS
7
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
Genetic Engineering CCHS
8
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
Genetic Engineering CCHS
9
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!)
Genetic Engineering CCHS
10
Choices 2
apart 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.
• ….
Genetic Engineering CCHS
11
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
Genetic Engineering CCHS
12
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
Genetic Engineering CCHS
13
Cloning Humans
• Produces similar relationship
issues to the IVF abuse
described.
Hi Mum,
its Mum!
Genetic Engineering CCHS
14
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?
Genetic Engineering CCHS
15
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.
Genetic Engineering CCHS
16
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.
Genetic Engineering CCHS
17
Values
•
•
•
•
Responsibility
Aversion to violence
Dynamic Peace
Don’t exploit the
vulnerable
• Personal Righteousness
• Justice, Respect &
Freedom
Genetic Engineering CCHS
18
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 ?
Genetic Engineering CCHS
19
Conclusions
• Great benefits
• Equal dangers
• Will you think through the
issues?
• Further information
www.genefaith.org
Genetic Engineering CCHS
20