ethical issues
Cards (5)
- ethical issues raised by science:
- modern medicine
- genetic modification
- the possibilities offered by genetic engineering:
- treatments for incurable diseases e.g. cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's
- genetic enhancement therapy - parents could select DNA that would lead to their offspring being 'transhumans' with advanced physical/intellectual/psychological powers
- genetic modification of animals to provide cures or transplants for humans
- genetic modification of crops to produce larger yields
- Christian responses in favour of genetic engineering:
- some support for genetically modified crops, given their potential regarding global hunger
- practical issue in xenotransplantation (e.g. using hearts of transgenic pigs) due to the potential transmission of disease
- somatic-cell therapy (intended to correct genetic disorders) generally encouraged as a responsible use of God-given skill
- benefits must justify costs
- Christian response OPPOSING genetic engineering:
- Catholics: concern about the genetic modification of animals as it could be seen as contrary to NML
- concern over germline therapy - if a mistake were to be made, the bad result would be passed down the generations; the bad effects are not necessarily foreseeable
- enhancement therapy rejected by Catholics + many Protestants
- humans no longer in God's image
- promotes idolatry
- would lead to children being viewed as a commodity rather than a gift
- create a two-tier society + wealth-based discrimination
- views of Fletcher over genetic engineering
- did not advocate an 'anything goes' approach
- proper controls to prevent abuse + exploitation must be in place - but otherwise, he viewed all techniques positively, including enhancement therapy
- rules + principles based on outdated + irrelevant biblical texts should be set aside
- he foresaw a time in the future when overpopulation or shortages would necessitate the genetic modification of humans to enable them to live in vastly different conditions i.e. in space