Genetic Engineering was realized in molecular biology and it has been the center of a considerable amount of apprehension and debate. This per se is not only in the scientific community but also in society as a whole. We see the basis of this whole controversial topic being that these genetic engineering experiments require special attention because the effects they might have on human life, our environment, and agriculturally are not only unique but also very far from predictable. On the other hand, these claims of unpredictability are counterbalanced by the numerous amounts of benefits genetic engineering offers our world. From the medical fields, environmental and most especially the agricultural sector. An example of a well-known public display of concern was by Professor Paul Berg from Stanford University together with his associates in what we now know as “the Berg Letter,” (Cripps). The purpose of this paper is therefore to analyze the benefits and dangers of genetic engineering and to finally give supporting evidence as to why genetic engineering should be controlled by the law.
What is Genetic Engineering?
The aspect of genetic engineering began with the question of how life began, grew, diversified, and in the midst of all that was able to pass on its characteristics from one generation to the next. Countless scientists have all contributed to this discipline each unraveling and building on to the work of the other to form what we know today to be Genetic Engineering (Wei). From Robert Hooke who discovered cells of a living organism in 1665, Dr. James Watson and Francis Crick who expounded on the structures of the DNA molecule in 1953, to Gregor Mendel who developed the principles of inheritance and genetics just to name a few.
Genetic Engineering can therefore be defined as the process where new genetic information is inserted into other cells that already exist intending to modify a specified organism to be able to change its characteristics (Bennett). This can also be described as Recombinant DNA technology, gene therapy, and gene modification. Pieces of DNA are then combined with other pieces of DNA in a laboratory with the use of test tubes then taking what has been engineered and transmitting it to different organisms. These organisms include bacterial cells, yeast cells, plants, and animals.
Benefits of Genetic Engineering
There are quite a number of benefits genetic engineering has brought to us and many if not all of these are what fuel the notion that genetic engineering should not be controlled by the law and also the restrictions already existing should be raised. To be able to understand this notion and thereby be able to counter their argument, knowing some of these benefits is key.
Genetically Engineered Foods
World hunger has been a task that genetic engineering has tried to greatly combat and looking at the results; it has made a large contribution in this fight. Food that is more nutritious, tastier, and disease-resistant has been developed all of which have increased the food supply at a lower production cost.
Pharmaceutical Development
The drugs on the market can be made safer and even more effective through genetic engineering. For example, insulin and human growth hormones are constantly being improved.
Transplants
Genetic Engineering has the potential of taking medicine to a new level through the growth of organs in a lab. A major problem today is in the lack of enough donors and this can therefore be a relief for those in need of such medical transplants.
Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering
Ethical Concerns
We are a world full of diverse ethnicities and each of these has its own set of beliefs and cultures. Genetic engineering, therefore, goes against some of these religious beliefs with the argument that it all goes against the set laws of nature. This is mainly because they are against the idea where man is given such power and control by this technology over the main building blocks of organisms.
The second ethical concern is the level of crime that might arise. This is not just the average day-to-day crime. If genetic materials become commodities that one can buy and sell, they will likely be highly valued by companies and individuals willing to pay enormous amounts. This thus brings about the whole concept of genetic theft, where the genetic information of people may be stolen and used without their knowledge. For example, the HeLa cell line originated from stolen cells from a woman named Henrietta Lacks in 1951. Neither the woman nor the family was able to benefit from this involuntary donation yet many others up to date have profited.
Food Safety
New Allergens. Genetic engineering can transfer the gene of allergens into food that individuals who are sensitive to it may not know to avoid. For example, if one of the allergenic proteins that are usually contained in milk is transferred into a vegetable, a mother who has a child sensitive to milk will not be able to know that this vegetable can be harmful.
Societal Problems
If people are given free rein with genetic engineering, then scientists would begin altering genetic materials hence may enable people to live longer, or to enhance their strengths and choose whichever traits that their offspring would have. This may create a division in society between those who are genetically modified and those who are normal. It is very unlikely to tell the outcomes of such a society.
Accidents
In genetic engineering, the containment of biotechnological substances is necessary for laboratories. It is, therefore, crucial to acknowledge that accidents can happen and these substances may be released into the environment.
Genetic Engineering should be Controlled by the Law
It is now clear that genetic engineering has many advantages some of which have already greatly influenced the world at large and others are yet to but will surely play a big role in reducing suffering. These reasons, therefore, give genetic engineering major importance and the scientists who are to continue in this pursuit will get an immense advantage for its support. From battling the question of inadequate food to significantly changing the lives of those who are sick, these benefits are just too vast for genetic engineering to be stowed away.
But also, we cannot ignore the magnitude of the disadvantages. As humans, each of us has a right to express, their concerns and it would therefore be very unjust and wrong for governments to overlook those who have ethical concerns because of their religions and beliefs. The question of all the legal crimes that may arise for example that where genetic materials are stolen should also be considered and to determine whether the courts are equipped to handle such delicate cases. When we also consider genetically modified food, it is an issue of concern that the only way to understand and determine the negative effects of allergens is only through experience. This in itself is a huge gamble.
This affliction, therefore, brings us to the only possible solution, which is setting limits that will only be followed if they are law. The laws are a cushion for all the possible negative side effects because they are what will help in the reduction of risks, for example setting up boundaries that will limit the amount of experimentation that goes into genetically modified foods (Häyry, and Lehto). This also ensures that the scientists involved will not only be geared to making profits but solely for the good of humankind. The laws may also ensure that only qualified scientists who meet certain levels of professional criteria should be allowed to perform experiments. Their laboratories or search institutions should meet all safety guidelines to ensure that the cases of accidents are reduced if not completely avoided and if in the case of any, they will be able to efficiently control the situation preventing any harmful effects to people and the environment at large. These regulations should balance between supporting innovation and protecting the health and the environment not forgetting to build trust in the public for the products made (Office of Science and Technology Policy).
In conclusion, the benefits of genetic engineering are greatly acknowledged and the works of all these brilliant scientists are appreciated and respected. However, like all things that involve society, genetic engineering needs regulation laws that would maintain order, establish standards that have to be met, resolve any disputes that may occur, and finally protect liberties and the rights of everyone.
References
Cripps, Yvonne. “A legal perspective on the control of the technology of genetic engineering.” Mod. L. Rev. 44 (1981): 369.
Wei, George. An Introduction To Genetic Engineering, Life Sciences, And The Law. Singapore University Press, National University Of Singapore, 2002.
Bennett, Steven P. “Rearranging The Molecules Of Life”. Gs.Ucdenver.Edu, 2014, https://gs.ucdenver.edu/ministem/pdf/2014_miniStem_Bennett.pdf
Häyry, Matti, and Tuija Lehto. “20Th WCP: Genetic Engineering And The Risk Of Harm”. Bu.Edu, https://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/Bioe/BioeHay2.htm.
Office of Science and Technology Policy. “Modernizing The Regulatory System For Biotechnology Products: Final Version Of The 2017 Update To The Coordinated Framework For The Regulation Of Biotechnology”. Epa.Gov, 2017, https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-01/documents/2017_coordinated_framework_update.pdf.
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