The Ethics of Gene Editing: CRIPR and the future of Genetic Medicine

 The Ethics of Gene Editing: CRIPR and the future of Genetic Medicine

       

              The progress of science and technology has ushered in profound changes in what was once deemed unattainable in our world. Gene editing, a process involving the utilization of specially engineered enzymes to make precise alterations in the DNA sequence of a living organism, stands as a prime example of this transformation. However, the advent of gene editing has sparked discussions and debates about its ethical implications. This essay aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of gene editing while examining the ethical considerations of human genome editing from the perspectives of philosophy, theology, and research.

 

Gene Editing and CRISPR: Genome editing is achieved by employing enzymes designed to target specific DNA sequences, introducing cuts into DNA strands, thus facilitating the removal of existing genetic material and the insertion of replacements. A noteworthy tool in the realm of gene-editing technologies is the renowned CRISPR-Cas9 system. This influential technology, initially uncovered in 2012 by scientists Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, has revolutionized the field.

 

The Role of Ethics in Medicine: Every profession is guided by a set of principles, rules, and regulations, and the realm of healthcare is no exception. One of the most vital aspects of human life is health, and it is imperative that ethical principles are adhered to in safeguarding the health and well-being of the populace. Ethics provides the foundation for either endorsing or questioning all scientific progress within the medical field.

 

Ethical Issues in Gene Editing: Despite being a relatively nascent science, the artificial manipulation of genes has garnered increased attention with the goal of addressing genetic diseases and hereditary disorders. Nevertheless, this endeavor is intertwined with a number of ethical dilemmas.

One prominent ethical concern revolves around the alteration of human nature, as it is believed that any genetic interference capable of changing the essence of human nature should be morally prohibited. Human nature is widely regarded as sacred and inviolable.

 

Theologians have likened genomic editing and its applications to humans attempting to play the role of God, raising profound ethical questions, particularly in religious contexts like Christianity and Islam, where God is traditionally seen as the sole arbiter of nature.This also poses an ethical question: 'Should man play God?'

 

The issue of consent emerges as a significant ethical challenge, especially when these procedures are performed on embryos. Should these embryos not have a say in a process that fundamentally alters their human nature and predetermines their lives?

 

Furthermore, human research ethics reveal that women have not consistently been included in informed consent processes, and preserving the autonomy of children is essential. It is also evident that further research is necessary to assess potential adverse effects on mothers, fetuses, and future generations, given the inability to reverse or modify a failed gene-editing procedure.

 

Conclusion: Gene editing, while offering numerous benefits, is a novel intervention that necessitates careful consideration of ethical concerns to ensure that it contributes more good than harm to the present and future generations.

Written By

Ezeji Princess Ifeoma

OS/23B/4025