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Morality vs Genetic Engieering - Coggle Diagram
Morality vs Genetic Engieering
What is Genetic Engineering?
Techniques
Genetic modification
This involves altering the DNA using techniques like CRISPR, gene editing, or selective breeding to introduce desired traits or eliminate undesirable characteristics.
Mitochondria DNA replacement therapy
This involves replacing faulty mitochondrial DNA with healthy donor mitochondria during in vitro fertilization. This technique aims to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases, offering a way to enhance the health of future generations by addressing issues related to the mitochondria's genetic material.
Genome editing tools – engineering nucleases
This process enable precise modification of nuclear DNA to influence specific traits. These engineered nucleases cut DNA at targeted locations, allowing for the addition, deletion, or replacement of genetic material. Ethical considerations surround the use of these tools for trait enhancement in human embryos.
Embryo implantation
This involves placing genetically modified embryos into the uterus, optimizing the chances of successful pregnancy and influencing the traits of the future offspring.
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
Early embryo screening for genetic abnormalities, allowing selection of healthier embryos before implantation in assisted reproduction.
Pregnancy and Birth
The pregnancy would follow the typical course of an IVF pregnancy, with regular supervision and medical attention. Upon birth, the baby may exhibit the intended genetic modifications.
In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
This involves combining sperm and egg in a laboratory, enabling genetic screening and modification before implantation, influencing embryo selection and enhancement.
Definition
This process involves manipulating the genetic material, specifically the DNA, of an embryo to enhance or modify certain traits.
Consequences ?
Removing the process of Natural Selection
and Introducting Divided Society
Natural Selection
Natural Selection ensures that evolution and genes modify in response to the environment. Furthermore natural selection ensures diversity, which may be removed by over use of genetic modification
Diversity may be lost
Divided Society
The revolution that is being introduced by designer babies will also divide the society into
Genetically superior beings
Genetically inferior beings
Codex from Man of Steel
: This divided new born into different class
Society will become like ant colony
The pursuit to perfection
"Perfect Human"
Can we achieve a "Perfect Human"?
Genetic Modification tries to break limits and
push boundaries to pursue this goal
Evolution
Evolution did not happen over night and
and it took millions of years and uncountable
natural trials for today's human to come into existence.
Tampering with the
natural act of procreation
No Intimacy
Heavy reliance on clinical methods
Loss of Empathy
Uncontrolled
gene modification
Unforeseen Physical
Deformities
Physical deformities
:
Often noted that its a
direct effect of genetics
Quasimodo
.
Psychological Disorder
: Research shows that some aspect of personality and thinking is an influence of genetic makeup
Joker : The Clown Prince of Crime
🤡
Introduction of new genetic disease
These unforeseen repercussions could manifest as unexpected health problems, genetic anomalies, or changes to characteristics that weren't meant to be altered.
Definitely not becoming Spider-Man
🥲
Introduction of
genetic discrimination
Money
Get the best set of genetics
These procedures are expensive and only people with susbstantial amount of money can afford it.
No Money
Become part of natural Selection
People are not from rich financial background often will find hard to get the desired set of genetic traits for their designer baby
Identity Crisis
Definition :
An identity crisis is defined as a period of uncertainty or confusion in a person's life
Leads to
Who Am I ?
Often designer babies ponder about the fact that who are they to the people around, does their existence mean anything, especially with saviour babies
What is my purpose of being?
Along with violation of ethical principles, the designer babies are often locked in for a particular purpose for their entire life
Can I chose to be someone different
It has also been contended that when parents conceive a child to save another sick child, they violate the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence in medical ethics as there is no medical benefit for the saviour sibling, but at the same time, there could be risk in the procedure
Consent and Autonomy
Consent :
The right to chose
The baby are not born hence can't give consent hence others have to do the work.
Autonomy :
The right of self govern
The ability to make decision about their bodies and genetic makeup is never presented to them.
Pressure and Expectation of Parents
Reinforcement and Stereotypes
Sociel Norms
To compete with society. i.e., intellectual ability
Potential Biases
Racial and cognitive biases
Social Status & Prestige
Reputation in society
Loss of Autonomy
They don't have their own abilities. They are chosen by their parents. There will always be a question on them regarding their own unique & developed abilities.
The Benefits
Personalised medicine
personalised medicine takes into account unique genetic factors and responses to various interventions
potentially increase the effectiveness of medical treatments
contribute to the development of targeted therapies and treatments
Enhancing physical traits
parents can shape their baby's experience
provide a sense of control and personalization
in accordance with parental choices
Improve mental and cognitive abilites
era of improved cognitive power
could improve: IQ, memory, focus, creativity
could unleash enormous possibilities
Saviour Siblings
specific intention to be the doner of another sibling suffering from life-threatening condition
done through PGD and IVF
Eliminate genetic diseases
improve quality of life
genetic diseases such as: cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anaemia, and Huntington's disease
done through PGD and IVF
Regulatory oversight
Ethical considerations
Autonomy
Non maleficience
Beneficence
justice
Social
Implicatons
Inequality
Genetic enhancements could exacerbate existing social inequalities if only accessible to the wealthy.
Stigmatization
Individuals without genetic enhancements to be marginalized or discriminated against.
Impact on Diversity
Genetic engineering might impact cultural, racial, and genetic diversity in society.
Parental Pressure
Parents feeling pressured to genetically enhance their children to keep up with societal norms or expectations.
Regulatory
Framework
Licensing and Oversight
Need for regulatory bodies to oversee the use of genetic engineering technologies, ensuring safety and ethical standards are met.
Guidelines for Research
Importance of establishing clear guidelines for research involving human embryos to prevent ethical violations.
Public Engagement
Involving the public in discussions about the ethical and social implications of genetic engineering to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
International Cooperation
Need for international cooperation and agreements to regulate genetic engineering technologies consistently across borders.
Public Awareness
and Education
Ethics Education
Informed Consent
Media Representation
Ethical Guidelines
and Principles
Respect for Human Dignity
Importance of upholding human dignity in all genetic engineering endeavors.
Transparency
Transparency in the development and use of genetic engineering technologies to build public trust.
Sustainability
long-term sustainability of genetic enhancements and their impact on future generations and the environment.