Question

An unapproved form of gene therapy, known as enhancement gene therapy, can create considerable ethical dilemmas. Why?

Short answer

Answer: The main ethical dilemmas associated with enhancement gene therapy include concerns about safety, unequal access to treatment, individual autonomy and consent, potential for abuse and misuse, and the impact on human identity and dignity. These dilemmas arise because enhancement gene therapy, which aims to improve non-medical characteristics or abilities, is often unapproved and not thoroughly researched or regulated, leading to potential negative consequences on individual and societal levels.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction to enhancement gene therapy

Enhancement gene therapy refers to the use of genetic modification techniques to improve or augment certain characteristics or abilities in an individual that are not related to treating or curing diseases or medical conditions. This form of therapy is often unapproved and not authorized for medical use due to many ethical concerns.

Ethical concerns about safety

One of the main ethical issues surrounding enhancement gene therapy is its safety. As it is an unapproved form of therapy, thorough research and testing may not be conducted, potentially leading to negative side effects or health problems for individuals who undergo the treatment. Without rigorous testing and oversight, there is a risk of harm to patients, which raises ethical concerns about the potential consequences of such therapies.

Unequal access to treatment

Another ethical concern regarding enhancement gene therapy is the potential for unequal access to these treatments. Since these therapies may be expensive and not covered by health insurance, only a small portion of the population may be able to afford them. This could lead to an unfair distribution of enhanced abilities, advantages, and opportunities, creating social inequality and further widening the gap between the rich and the poor.

Ethical concerns about individual autonomy and consent

A critical ethical issue concerning enhancement gene therapy is the potential for infringement on individual autonomy and consent. These treatments often involve irreversible changes to an individual's genetic makeup. Parents may decide to undergo these procedures for their children without consent or input from the child, raising ethical questions about the right to control one's own body and life.

Potential for abuse and misuse

There is also an ethical concern about the potential for abuse and misuse of enhancement gene therapy. Some individuals or organizations may be tempted to use these therapies for nefarious purposes or to unfairly compete against others in areas such as sports, academics, or employment. This raises moral questions about the possible consequences of gene enhancement on an individual and societal level.

Impact on human identity and dignity

Lastly, enhancement gene therapy can fuel ethical debates about the impact on human identity and dignity. The idea of "designer babies," where parents could potentially select desired traits and abilities for their children, challenges common beliefs about human nature and raises questions about the ethical implications of creating "enhanced" humans. In conclusion, enhancement gene therapy presents various ethical dilemmas due to concerns about safety, unequal access, individual autonomy and consent, the potential for abuse, and the impact on human identity and dignity. Without proper regulations and careful consideration of the ethical implications, this form of therapy could lead to negative consequences on both individual and societal levels.

Key concepts

Enhancement Gene Therapy

Enhancement gene therapy is a form of genetic modification that aims to improve or enhance personal abilities that are not illness-related. Unlike traditional gene therapy, which targets genetic disorders and diseases, enhancement therapy seeks to augment traits such as intelligence or physical strength. The potential is intriguing, but this therapy remains unapproved due to unresolved ethical issues. Critics argue that it opens a Pandora's box of moral concerns, chiefly because it is not aimed at healing but at enhancing human traits. This approach raises questions about the limits of human intervention in natural genetic makeup, especially since the key motivation is improvement rather than treatment.

Ethical Dilemmas in Gene Therapy

Gene therapy, particularly enhancement forms, presents significant ethical dilemmas. The primary concern lies in safety. As an unapproved method, enhancement therapy lacks comprehensive testing and regulatory oversight. This absence of stringent patient protections risks unintended negative effects or long-term health issues.
Another ethical issue is access. These treatments could become costly, leading to social inequalities where only the wealthy benefit. There is a danger that enhancement therapies could widen existing societal divides, creating a genetic upper class.
Individual autonomy stands as another moral challenge. Genetic modifications often are permanent, and if decisions are made on behalf of children without their consent, ethical concerns about personal freedom and choice are raised.
The potential for misuse compounds these dilemmas. With the possibility of genetic enhancements, individuals or groups could exploit these methods for competitive advantage in various fields, leading to ethical questions about fairness and sporting integrity.

Genetic Modification

Genetic modification is the process of altering the genetic makeup of an organism to achieve desired traits. In enhancement gene therapy, this principle is applied to improve human abilities rather than address medical conditions.
While genetic modification has been used beneficially in medicine, agriculture, and research, applying these same methods to human enhancement stirs controversy. The idea of modifying human genes for enhancement challenges traditional ethical boundaries and introduces questions about the appropriateness of altering human nature.

• Should humans attempt to control evolution or modify traits that are not disease-related?
• What gene modifications would be considered ethical, and who decides?

These questions reflect the deep ethical divide surrounding enhancement gene therapy, showing it is much more than a scientific or medical issue, but also a philosophical and societal one.

Human Dignity

The concept of human dignity is central to the debate on enhancement gene therapy. Traditionally, human dignity is associated with the inherent worth of individuals, which should be recognized and respected regardless of their abilities or attributes.
Enhancement gene therapy challenges this notion. The introduction of "designer babies," where genetic traits can be selected prior to birth, provokes arguments about artificial manipulation of human identity. It raises fears of creating an enhanced human class, thereby undermining the equality that human dignity signifies.
Moreover, if human traits can be chosen or altered, the essence of what it means to be human may change. This could lead to a societal shift in how value and worth are perceived, threatening the very concept of intrinsic human dignity and equality.