Genetic Engineering

How will Genetic Engineering affect tomorrow’s society? We can take a long look back at all of the achievements that have been made in the field of medicine, and be left in awe. Although not all of the advancements have been spectacular, society is left to ponder about the ethics behind it all. Although no one will argue that helping someone out with a disease is the wrong thing to do; some may inquire about the technique used to do so. A method that has arisen and left many questions unanswered is one in which our individual genetic levels may be altered with. One would question is this right, and others might question as to why we are doing this altogether. Are we, as human beings going too far in our attempts to change our genetic structure? Robert L. Sinsheimer, chancellor at UCSC describes the power possibilities of genetics as follows, “In Homo Sapiens something new appeared on this small globe. The next step of evolution is ours. We must devise that once again on this sweet planet a fairer species will arise.” (Moraczewski, 1983) Is this our next step? Who’s to say that we have the right to make such an evolutionary decision?

Reproductive Technologies

What is our future outlook if we continue on the path of attempting to genetically engineer our unborn embryos? The selection of individual traits and the enhancements in embryos has raised several moral issues that involve both individuals and society as a whole. Many people within our society have been seeking to create their own designer babies for centuries now. “In many respects human nature seeks to choose those characteristics which we find most attractive, we choose the partner we wish to breed with, someone who has the features we like, someone we approve of, has traits or characteristics we desire in our children.” (Genetic Engineering, 2010)

A question that has been pondered by many, should parents be allowed to manipulate their children’s genes in order to be able to pre-select...