From the Left
During the past 30 years or so, significant advances have been made in genetic engineering (GE). Many drugs and vaccines have been produced as a result of GE. Also, many genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been produced. GE holds much promise for curing diseases and extending human life. It is thus important that GE research should be continued and supported.
There is much controversy over some areas of GE. Stem cell research is one such area. Although stem cell research, like other areas of GE, holds much promise, it currently requires the destruction of a human embryo. Many pro-lifers oppose stem cell research for this reason, claiming that a human embryo is a living human being and that destroying one is tantamount to murder. I strongly disagree with this claim. A human embryo consists of just a single cell, as opposed to the billions of cells of a fully developed human. Even a human fetus consists of billions of cells, but it is still far less developed than a child which has undergone birth, much less a full-grown adult. Since the potential for saving lives is so great with stem cell research, we shouldn’t worry about destroying a few human cells. |
From the Right
In order to benefit from genetic engineering, the government will have to regulate the procedures and applications of this type of medicine so that scientists and researchers do not abuse their power. There are many religious and legal issues that need to be brought to light before major advances can be made. While many people may benefit from this type of work, laws and spiritual guidance must be sought in order to make sound decisions concerning the used of genetic engineering. Most people are afraid that this type of science may by used for bad purposes. There are also moral issues at stake that the government must take into consideration when drafting new laws to follow.
In many ways, genetic engineering goes against nature. Do scientists and researchers have the right to alter genes of cellular tissue? Many people would argue that they do not. It goes against everything that the bible and other people have believed for many years. Science must take into consideration the religious ramifications of genetic research because some would consider cells to be human life. Genetic engineering is not something that should be taken lightly and the government needs to step in and create laws that will prevent the use of cellular materials in certain ways.
Over the years, genetic research has become an issue that many have fought over. Though this research may prevent certain diseases and save lives, it is still important to think about the government’s role in making laws that everyone can be comfortable with.
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