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Genetic Engineering

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?

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Genetic Engineering

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  1. Genetic Engineering Moral & EthicalDilemmas A. J. Palmer 12/02

  2. GeneticEngineeringPlenary 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 Genetic Engineering - CCHS

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Model & Strong Man Genetic Engineering - CCHS

  6. Athelete & Academic Some jump!! Brainy or What!! Genetic Engineering - CCHS

  7. Super FastRunner Genetic Engineering - CCHS

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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. • …. Genetic Engineering - CCHS

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. Hi Mum, its Mum! Cloning Humans • Produces similar relationship issues to the IVF abuse described. Genetic Engineering - CCHS

  15. 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

  16. 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

  17. 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

  18. Values • Responsibility • Aversion to violence • Dynamic Peace • Don’t exploit the vulnerable • Personal Righteousness • Justice, Respect & Freedom Genetic Engineering - CCHS

  19. 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

  20. Conclusions • Great benefits • Equal dangers • Will you think through the issues? • Further information www.genefaith.org Genetic Engineering - CCHS

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