The whole CRISPR technology thing is pretty new to me and it is very intriguing. The whole concept of altering human embryos and genes has some life changing possibilities but ethical complications are present. A life changing effect that could come about from this is potentially eliminating single gene disorders such as cystic fibrosis (pg.2 Harris). This would have a huge impact on the 7.9 million children born every year who have a serious defect of genetics. Harris argued as this type of science denied by society and more importantly the people who make the laws banning CRISPR it is costing human lives. It seems like Harris a strong believer in preserving human life for as long as possible. CRISPR technology is all about preserving future peoples lives. The ethical concerns circulate around the aspect of the potential risks and dangers this technology could have on future generations. The irreversible changes that come with CRISPR technology are extremely risky because they involve human experimentation.
As this new type of technology starts to get introduced people will start picking sides. I support gene editing on humans because of it potential benefit to future generations. Eventually people may not have to deal with such crippling diseases such as Huntington’s disease. This would change the world for good. Though there are obvious ethical issues surrounding this topic but I think it will be beneficial to the future. Though it would contribute to our growing population problem I think that in itself is another issue that needs to be dealt with accordingly.
Hi Fritz,
I really like your post about CRISPR technology. I honestly think we are on the exact same page. I think that single gene editing should be allowed to eliminate disease but there should not be the option to select traits in offspring. I struggled with that conclusion due to a similar thought you had about the world’s population. I think that the world is over populated and disease definitely helps with that problem. Anyways, like you said, that is a whole other problem. Harris has couple good points in his article, all supporting the relief of debilitating disease from heredity lines. If there is the possibility to remove these torturous diseases, then why not?