Genetic Engineering and Eugenics Exploratory Essay Example

chromosome into a fertilized egg, which then grows alongside the developing embryo. This technology presents opportunities for longer and healthier lives by curing diseases and altering behavioral and physical traits. It also raises the possibility of designing a "perfect child" based on parental preferences, potentially advancing human evolution and improving overall well-being. However, despite these exciting advancements, there are concerns about the potential consequences of genetically engineered humans similar to the negative associations with Nazi eugenics ideals. Although less extreme, this new form of eugenics could perpetuate inequalities and discrimination between those who have undergone genetic engineering and those who have not. It emphasizes that while certain genetic diseases may be cured through this process, there is a chance for new ones to emerge, resulting in an ongoing battle against them.Moreover, there are concerns about the role of parenting as Boukhari and Otchet argue that parents should not force their children to conform to their desires. This poses a risk for children. On the other hand, parents also face challenges related to gene therapy. If this therapy becomes publicly available, parents may feel pressured to do everything possible to help their baby. However, if they choose not to use the therapy due to religious or personal beliefs and an issue arises for the child, they will feel extreme guilt and self-blame for something beyond their control.

Even if treatment is given during the embryo stage, its success remains uncertain with a chance of another illness occurring. These uncertainties can overwhelm parents with guilt. As we become aware of the drawbacks of eugenics, many question whether this step will do more harm than good for humanity. The

ongoing debate surrounding this process discussed in this text is bringing us closer to it becoming a reality.

Ongoing animal experiments aim to show that there are no negative outcomes associated with this process. The future of gene therapy is expected within approximately three years. Although it was initially intended for the betterment of humanity, there is potential for it to be taken too far. Sharon Begley raises a thought-provoking question: "We know where to start;The more challenging question is whether we are aware of the point at which to cease. This text amalgamates information from three distinct sources. The initial source is an article named "Designer Babies" sourced from Newsweek, released on November 9, 1998 (page 61). The second source is an article titled "Uncharted Terrain on Tomorrow's Genetic Map" composed by Sophie Boukhari and Amy Otchet, featured in UNESCO Courier in September 1999 (page 18). Lastly, the third source originates from a book edited by William Dudley entitled "Genetic Engineering: Opposing Viewpoints," published by Greenhaven Press in San Diego in 1990.