By Katelin Slosky
In Ms. Castellano’s 9th-grade Biology class, we discussed DNA and the effects of editing genomes. It got me thinking.
While editing genomes may have medical benefits such as treating many human diseases, including sickle cell anemia and cancer, is it something that we should be doing? Genome editing could have drastic effects on future generations, so are we willing to take that risk for the medical benefits now?
On one hand, we could cure (or completely prevent) genetic diseases. On the other hand, how far are we willing to go to edit a human’s genes? Are we willing to accept the risks of humans having that much power over their own species? Is editing a child’s genomes ethical? The benefits may seem to outweigh the negatives, but do they?
While we could prevent children being born with genetic disorders or disabilities, that also erases what makes them unique. Another question is where do we draw the line? Where is the boundary between disease treatment and just flat-out “enhancement?”
One question I have is whether humans can be responsible with this much power. We have a history of not handling great amounts of power very well, and I fear that, while this sounds good on paper, this could have disastrous results.
Morality Editor: Luke Langlois
Some food for thought for sure.
thank you, Katelin, for stirring our appetite.