The 21st century is the era of the DNA. The century before, was the era of computers, which brought about remarkable technological advancements to society and these have also contributed to the current genetic revolution, which promises to do for life what computers did for information. This increasing power and accessibility may one day give parents the option of genetically engineering the “designer baby”. This may be used to spare the unborn from disease or, possibly, make them tall, intelligent and blessed with any desirable traits.
Genetic engineering has given humans the power to alter the very basis of life on earth which will forever change life as we know it. This essay will explain the various views on genetic engineering but will primarily concentrate on “the ethics of genetically engineering the designer baby”. Genetic engineering is described as the use of various methods to intentionally manipulate DNA, to produce biological products or to change hereditary traits.
It has many uses that include repairing a genetic defect, picking a select group of genes to achieve a specific outcome – in the case of designer babies, curing diseases by altering the gene, and testing for inherited diseases. Genetic engineering would allow humans to consciously choose a better life for our offspring and the widespread use could potentially create an improved version of humanity. Just think; genetic engineering to reduce disease, increase intellect, reduce obesity, increase athleticism, reduce mental disorders and, increase life span.
Perhaps even one day genetic engineering in combination with bio-mechanical augmentation, may allow humans to adapt to harsher atmospheric conditions brought about by increased industrialisation. This might be the only way for humanity to keep up to date with the staggering pace of technological advancement. The benefits of genetic engineering are boundless. This medical intervention would allow a family to virtually eradicate a genetic disease in only a few generations. Muscular Dystrophy (MD) is a great example.
MD is a group of genetic and muscle diseases that weaken the muscles of the body. With the new advances of technology, doctors can test each of the eggs for the gene for MD. If they find an egg that does not carry the gene, they can implant it and reduce the chances for this disease. This also means less money will be spent in hospitals for medical treatments needed for a sick child in the future. The possibility of perfecting the human gene is very exciting; however it can also be very alarming. Are doctors and parents playing “God”?
We were created a certain way and it goes against nature, and religion, to pick and choose how we want our children to be. Do they have the right to predetermine how their baby will look, what genes they will carry, and for what purpose? Who determines what traits are acceptable? To genetically modify a child will cost approximately US$18,000. This brings us to the question; why are only wealthy couples able to prevent their children from developing genetically inherited diseases? This could cause inequalities between the rich and poor classes in society.
If this practice is allowed and becomes socially acceptable, would governments have a role to play in making it available to its entire people for the benefit of society at large? [1: Designer Babies, The Future, 2009, http://futurestorm. blogspot. com. au/2009/03/new-la-clinic-lets-parents-genetically. htmlAccessed: 3rd November2014] However, by venturing down a path of creating perfectly healthy babies that are disease and disability free, as a society we would be removing the naturalism that already exists within the world.
This may result in a new wave of negative perceptions of ordinary people without these genetic enhancements. Will this super class of humans widen the gap of discrimination between people with enhancements and those without? Using genetic modification to cure diseases and disorders is beneficial to parents, children, and society. However, using genetic engineering to create super-children with superior intellects and perfect features is wrong. Science and technology has its place in helping the human race. It should be used to save lives and improve the quality of lives.
Using scientific research to appease parent’s vanity hurts us as a race. It will create divisions between the “master-race” and normal people. It says to the children of these parents that they couldn’t have been good enough on their own. If designer babies were to become commonplace, individuality as we know it would most likely cease to exist. Not everyone would look exactly the same; some parents may want their baby to have brown eyes, as opposed to green. Other parents may want their child to be more tan skinned rather than fair skinned.
But as a whole, many people would be pretty, healthy, and intelligent. What parent wouldn’t want these basic traits in their child? A society of pretty, healthy, and intelligent people may sound reasonable and even favourable, until the full social implications are considered. Genetic engineering is a great step on our journey to helping those in need. It shouldn’t be wasted on vanity. Whilst I understand how parents want their children to be perfect it is not moral to completely determine and change the future of an unborn child for the sake of appearances.
BIBLIOGRAPHY “Designer Babies: Ethical Considerations. ” Actionbioscience. Web. 5 Nov. 2014. . “Is It Moral to Genetically Engineer Our Children? ” The Premier Online Debate Website. Web. 3 Nov. 2014. . Parry, Wynne. “Designing Life: Should Babies Be Genetically Engineered? ” LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 18 Feb. 2013. Web. 3 Nov. 2014. . “The Future. ” Designer Babies. 3 Mar. 2009. Web. 2 Nov. 2014. . Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 4 Nov. 2014. . The time has come today that the people have started realizing “what is good for their health and what is not.
” They are now switching over to the Homeopathic System of Medicine which, of late was lying low due to its lack of availability to the common people around the world. Despite this fact, Homeopathy is the second largest system of medicine being practiced in the World , after Allopathic System of Medicine, as acknowledged by the World Health Organisation. Till late it was used only by the select class of people, world-wide, who know the efficacy and hidden powers of homeopathic medicines for curing any acute or chronic diseases, without any side effects.
Some well known devotees of homeopathy have included Queen Elizabeth II and her family, John D. Rockefeller, Mahatma Gandhi, Mark Twain, Tina Turner, Charles Dickens etc. It is an established fact that homeopathy which was born in Germany in 1796, took the world by storm in the 18th Century and after having introduced and attaining popularity in USA(including Canada) and Europe, took its roots in India which has the World’s second largest population and is very widely practiced here due to its efficacy and affordability by the common people.
In addition to private Homeopathic Physicians, there are many Government run Hospitals and Dispensaries providing Medicare to the patients in that country. Its popularity has since spread the world-over, having already been recognized by the World Health Organization and has now over 500 million patients worldwide. Today, a majority of Allopathic Doctors have themselves started prescribing Homeopathic medicines for some diseases which are either incurable by Allopathic system of medicines or where they cannot afford to take risk in some patients for the side-effects of the Allopathic medicines.
This is because, they have now realized that Homeopathic medicines which are just minute doses of botanical and mineral potions, are capable of stimulating the body to heal miraculously. These minute doses ( in sweet pills or dilutions) have demonstrated in curing the diseases which are not only curable but also incurable by the Allopathic system of medicines, the list of which (incurable by the Allopathy) is unending e. g. Asthma, Dermatitis, Vitiligo, Psoriasis, Tumors, undiagnosed diseases and some disease requiring surgical intervention like Gangrene, Tonsillitis, Piles, Kidney stone, etc.
-Homeopathic system of medicine which is based on Natural law of cure was founded by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, a German Doctor who perfected the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia in 1790. It is based on the principle “Similia Simlibus Curentur” which means “Likes cure likes”. Here are just some of the benefits of homeopathy, which you can learn to enjoy. Homeopathy is a deep system of health care. It is able to reach far back into your personal, and indeed family, history to mend the damage. Homeopathic treatment is powerful but gentle. Immediate improvement can be seen and felt.
There are no side effects or unpleasant consequences of the treatment. This means that there is no time needed for convalescence. And you aren’t likely to suffer any unwanted symptoms. This alone is a breath of fresh air in today’s typical medical model. How much is that alone worth to you? Homeopathy can cover all ailments, all diseases, because it treats you, not the disease. This means that everything can be treated – from injuries, to migraines, from fever to mental health, from food cravings to tumours and everything in between.
Homeopathy is truly a multi-tasked modality. Homeopathy can be used safely on the very young, even in utero, on the very old, even when frail, and on animals, all with the same benefits. Diseases can be prevented as well as treated. There are many benefits of homeopathic medicine, including: 1. It can be used by pregnant and nursing women; 2. It can be used by children and infants; 3. It does not interfere with medications taken by a person; 4. If an incorrect remedy is selected, it is completely safe and will not harm the person at all; 5.
Other than occasional, mild, and short-lived symptom aggravations which pass quickly and tend to be followed by improvements in the symptoms of a person, there are no side-effects of homeopathic remedies. This symptom aggravation is actually regarded by homeopaths as a sign that the correct homeopathic remedy has been selected and usually results in symptom improvements; 6. It can be used for chronic or acute conditions; 7. It is an individualized system of medicine which treats the person, not merely the symptoms. The symptoms, however, are addressed when using this approach and are typically improved; 8.
Homeopathy is a holistic approach to healing: one that involves the body, mind, emotions, and spirit of the person being treated; 9. Homeopathic remedies are readily available and can, therefore, be used by anyone; 10. Homeopathic remedies are typically inexpensive and therefore provide an affordable approach to healing; 11. Homeopathic remedies can be stored for long periods of time; 12. Homeopathic medicine is non-invasive; and 13. There are many studies proving the effectiveness of homeopathy, when used correctly.