Gene Therapy and Autonomy

Gene Therapy and Autonomy

America is a land where freedoms like religion, assembly, speech, and bear arms are treasured. But I believe that most of them can be summarized in the one line in the constitution that allows us the ability to pursue our own paths in look for happiness. One specific way that we as individuals seek happiness is through our own health, as well as the health of those around us, either through preventive care such as check-ups and immunizations or through more proactive care, such as taking medicine for illnesses contracted and, in extreme cases, experimental treatments for diseases science tells us are incurable. One of this treatments being highly debated since its inception is gene therapy because of the ethical and social implications of such treatments. Briefly summarized, gene therapy is the manipulation of genetic material, such as a person’s DNA, in order to prevent or treat diseases (Vaughn, 315). There are two types of gene therapies, the first one being somatic cell gene-therapy, which can treat the disease localized in these cells, but can still pass such disease on to their offspring. The second one is called germ-line gene therapy which can be applied to treat germ cells in the body, and has the ability to prevent diseases in the next generation. The debate around gene therapy is very political, and ironically, religious as well. Some people say that implementation of such technology will create a bigger socio-economical divide, while others point out that if such procedure is implemented then our individuality will be at risk competitive features will be widely available. Although these arguments against gene therapy may be valid, they are not definitive and inevitable, and certainly they should not be the reason to prevent other people to achieve their own happiness by curing or preventing diseases afflicting their families.

Gene therapy today is in its early stage and is not technologically possible for practice in...