14.3 Ethical Considerations in Genetic Engineering and Gene Therapy
4 min read•july 22, 2024
Genetic engineering and gene therapy offer exciting possibilities for treating diseases and improving lives. These technologies can correct faulty genes, potentially curing inherited disorders and reducing healthcare costs. However, they also raise ethical concerns about unintended consequences, accessibility, and the potential for human enhancement.
The benefits of gene-editing tools like must be weighed against risks like off-target effects. While somatic cell editing is less controversial, germline modifications that affect future generations spark intense debate. Balancing medical progress with ethical considerations is crucial as these technologies advance.
Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering and Gene Therapy
Ethical implications of genetic engineering
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Top images from around the web for Ethical implications of genetic engineering
Frontiers | Regulation of Internet-based Genetic Testing: Challenges for Australia and Other ... View original
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The simple, ethical case for gene editing | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
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Frontiers | Challenges and Advances for Genetic Engineering of Non-model Bacteria and Uses in ... View original
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The simple, ethical case for gene editing | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne View original
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Potential benefits
Treating genetic disorders and diseases by correcting faulty genes (cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia)
Improving quality of life for patients by alleviating symptoms and reducing disease burden
Reducing healthcare costs associated with chronic conditions by providing long-term solutions
Potential risks and concerns
Unintended consequences and side effects due to complex gene interactions and incomplete understanding of the genome
Accessibility and affordability of treatments may create disparities in healthcare access (high-cost gene therapies)
Ethical considerations surrounding human enhancement and the potential for creating "" with desired traits
and patient
Ensuring patients fully understand the risks and benefits through comprehensive genetic counseling and education
Protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation, such as those with limited decision-making capacity or socioeconomic disadvantages
Societal impact and public perception
Addressing concerns about "playing God" or altering natural processes, which may conflict with religious or cultural beliefs
Engaging in public discourse and education to foster understanding and address misconceptions about genetic engineering
Benefits vs risks of gene-editing technologies
CRISPR-Cas9 technology
Precise and efficient gene-editing tool that allows for targeted modifications to the genome (knock-out or knock-in of specific genes)
Potential for treating genetic disorders and diseases by correcting disease-causing mutations (Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophy)
Concerns about off-target effects and unintended mutations that may have deleterious effects on health or development
Somatic cell
Modifying non-reproductive cells to treat individual patients without passing changes to future generations
Less controversial than germline modifications as it focuses on treating existing individuals
Potential for personalized medicine and targeted therapies that address specific genetic profiles or disease subtypes (cancer immunotherapy)
Germline modifications
Editing reproductive cells or embryos, resulting in changes that are passed down to future generations
Potential for eliminating genetic disorders and diseases from the gene pool and reducing the burden of inherited conditions
Ethical concerns about altering the human genome and the long-term effects on the gene pool and future generations
Regulation and oversight
Ensuring responsible use and development of gene-editing technologies through robust regulatory frameworks and guidelines
Establishing guidelines and protocols for research and clinical applications to minimize risks and ensure ethical conduct
Ethical Challenges in Germline Modifications and Gene Therapy
Ethics of germline modifications
Germline modifications
Permanent changes to the human genome that are passed down to future generations, affecting the gene pool
Potential for eliminating genetic disorders and diseases by correcting mutations in reproductive cells or embryos
Concerns about unintended consequences and long-term effects on human evolution and genetic diversity
Designer babies and genetic enhancement
Selecting or modifying traits for non-medical reasons, such as intelligence, athleticism, or appearance
Ethical implications of creating "perfect" or "superior" individuals and the potential for exacerbating social inequalities
Potential for discrimination and stigmatization based on genetic profiles or enhanced capabilities
Slippery slope argument
Concern that allowing germline modifications for medical purposes could lead to more controversial applications, such as enhancement
Difficulty in drawing clear lines between medical necessity and enhancement, as the boundaries may shift over time
Intergenerational and consent
Modifying the genome of future generations without their explicit consent raises questions about their autonomy and rights
Balancing the rights and interests of current and future individuals in making decisions about germline modifications
Challenges of gene therapy applications
Gene therapy for inherited disorders
Treating genetic conditions by introducing functional genes to replace or compensate for faulty ones (severe combined immunodeficiency, hemophilia)
Potential for alleviating suffering and improving quality of life by addressing the root cause of the disorder
Challenges in ensuring safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes, as gene therapies are still a relatively new and complex field
Gene therapy for enhancement purposes
Using gene therapy to enhance human capabilities or traits beyond what is considered normal or healthy
Ethical concerns about creating unfair advantages and social disparities, as enhanced individuals may have significant advantages in various domains
Distinguishing between medical necessity and elective enhancement, as the line between treatment and enhancement can be blurry
Access and distribution of gene therapies
Ensuring equitable access to treatments regardless of socioeconomic status, as high costs may limit availability to wealthy individuals or nations
Addressing potential for and stigmatization based on access to or use of gene therapies
Societal impact and public trust
Fostering public understanding and engagement in decision-making processes related to gene therapy research and applications
Maintaining transparency and accountability in research and clinical applications to build public trust and confidence in the technology