Genetic Manipulation

I believe that genetic manipulation should cease at being utilized to assist those with disease prevention. I believe this is the only way to ensure that society provides the best for its people and keeps the playing field level. Genetic augmentations such as muscles, memory, height and sex selection is inertly dangerous because it will be used to create a superhuman. John Rawls states “it is in the interest of each to have greater nature assets” meaning that even by adding restrictions towards using genetic manipulation it will not be used in a morally responsible manner. John Rawls is an advocate of genetic manipulation but his statement shows that even the advocates know that society will always take advancements beyond their intended purpose.

Michael Sandel argues that even if a free market is available genetic manipulation is not acceptable. “In order to grapple with the ethics of enhancement, we need to confront questions largely lost from view – questions about the moral status of nature, and about the proper stance of human beings toward the given world.” I agree with Sandel regarding the “drive to mastery” but also believe there is an acceptable middle ground when it comes to our health. The challenge will be guiding society to utilize the advancements in a responsible and intended manner. When it comes to creating children we need to appreciate their natural identity and not mold them into a “perfect” being. It is the job of the parent to create that mold through parenting. “To appreciate children as gifts or blessings is not, of course, to be passive in the face of illness or disease.”

To support gene therapy to fight diseases is to be responsible. I feel that any other purpose designed to mold a human life is not acceptable. Whether that be to increase their physical or mental abilities or determine sex is a violation of nature and have the potential for dangerous results. What happens if the child is not what the parent “ordered”? Is it refundable? What happens to society if there are natural people and superhuman? Do they exist in harmony or does one have repercussions for the other, such as health insurance coverage?