Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Table
3.2
Actual
and
perceived
risks
associated
with
selected
human
enhancements
Enhancement
Genetic (DNA)
Risk to individuals
Fairness issues
Opportunity risks
Macroethical issues
manipulation
issues
Preplantation
Yes. Preselection Yes. Implantation
Yes. Loss of human diversity if Yes. If disease is
Yes. Beginning of life (BOL)
genetic
of certain traits.
procedure carries risks to
the practice becomes
observed, the embryo
issues, for example, female
diagnosis
mother and child.
widespread; even if the
could be treated
embryos and fetuses have
(PGD)
practice does not become
(although a decision
been destroyed in an attempt
Preselection of certain
widespread, some sense of
not to implant and to
to have a male child.
traits has also been known
individuality is lost.
Many argue that geneticists are
destroy the embryo is
more likely).
to cause birth defects and
mishaps.
Tampering with genetics
implies value judgment about
playing God by manipulating a
natural code of genes.
Some also argue that
the preselection could
make populations more
perceived worth of people
with specific traits, which
translates into judgments
“Slippery slope” wherein
PGD leads to devaluing
certain traits and
intelligent, stronger,
and more successful
(although same
arguments were made
by Nazis for their
“eugenics” programs].
about differential worth of
individuals.
Opportunity risk of losing
population advantages of
diversity (e.g., disease
resistance, collective
increasing abortions of
classes of people in an
effort to give birth to the
perfect, “designer” baby
and nearly certain risk of
countless embryos dying
during scientific trials and
intelligence, nonmonetized
utilization by the public.
benefits) akin to monoculture
problems in agriculture
(where the values of certain
traits are not fully understood
until after they are lost).
In
vitro
Yes.
Yes. Change in ability to
Yes and no. Today, IVF is a
Possibly. Some may
There are macroethical issues
fertilization
Reproductive
conceive may introduce
widespread procedure, and
say that allowing
at hand. Once again, many
(IVF)
efficiencies are
new susceptible
many argue that children
certain individuals to
feel that IVF is playing God.
manipulated in
subpopulations (e.g., older
should not be solely available
reproduce could richen
By planting life, some would
hopes of a very
women who cannot
to those who are naturally able
the gene pool. Also,
say that you are interfering
specific goal.
conceive naturally, but can
to conceive. The religiously
couples with disease in with the natural order
via IVF), which can
motivated, the financially
their family history
of reproduction.
increase overall risks (e.g.,
constrained, and those who see may choose this
birth defect risks
this as an unjust means (e.g.,
method to avoid the
associated with mother's
the overproduction of embryos)
chance of a medical
age).
to a worthwhile end (i.e.,
condition with the
parenthood) view IVF as
pregnancy.
unfair.
(
Continued
)
