Introduction to Germline Modification

I am firmly against the introduction of germline modification primarily because of the ethical concerns involved. Although germline modification tools have the potential of permanently eradicating diseases such as cystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs, there are intense apprehensions on the many risks surrounding the technology. I agree with Jennifer Doudna that there is a need to escalate research on the safety of this medical technology to extensively cover the social consequences involved (Doudna, 2015). Until the research world considers all perspectives of the CRISPR technology, I think I cannot risk my child or family member to “benefit” from it. Scientific assurance must be provided on the safety of clinical safety while also educating the society on the benefits and probable risks of germline modification. 

Indeed, society should be concerned with the possibility of establishing a eugenic society. In the film “Gattaca," the underlying themes of discrimination and dystopia give a hint of how humans would behave if a eugenic society is achieved. The subjugation of the invalids, such as Vincent in a society that believes that one's genetic code defines their abilities, is wrong. Through such suppression, individuals who are deemed to have weak genetic code are discriminated against while genetically engineered individuals are seen as elites. From the context of this movie, one acknowledges the conflicts may arise if a eugenic society is realized. Designer babies trigger several concerns key among them being unwanted side socials effects. The movie Gattaca proves that editing genes so that one's children have desirable characteristics that can result in a divided society between the genetically privileged and those born naturally. Consequently, societies will become unequal, especially in the realm of opportunities since not everybody will be able to finance genetic editing. 

References 

Doudna, J. (2015). Perspective: Embryo editing needs scrutiny.  Nature ,  528 (7580), S6.