The Ethics of Germline Gene Edition

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1. Introduction

For a long time now, Germline Gene Edition has raised traction among scholars and interested parties with contentions regarding which divide of the thought is correct. Since the year 1990, the Genomics has expanded rapidly. Interestingly, human genomic gained interest later in the year 2003. I recall about a friend of mine who became very fascinated with the announcement of gene editing techniques that could be used to modify the human DNA. At that time, my friend was working as a health practitioner and had the first-hand information concerning this discovery. In this case, he was fascinated by this development since he had an ailing relative. For a long time within their family line, they had a hereditary disease which had been passed down to generation, and he was worried that the same fate might befall his kids. To his point of view, he did not care much about the ethics behind the procedure; all he cared was how he could terminate the lineage of this hereditary disease. For this reason, he commenced the process using CRISPR that was aimed at reversing the genetic mutation which would help in reducing the probability of inheriting a disease from either the parents or other members of the family. At the time of need, one may perceive the ethics behind Germline Gene Edition differently; and when given a different set of circumstances, one would paradoxically view these ethics differently. For this reason, this study aims at analyzing various ethical argument concerning Germline Gene Edition for the human being. In particular, the study will examine the issues that are raised to

According to Christianson, Howson, & Modell (2006), human genetic engineering has impacted the perception on human medicine. In their presentation, they argue that the United Kingdom, the United States, and China economies were the first to spearhead this contentious affair. For example, the science Advisory board conducted a poll that brought together many researchers from all geopolitical boundaries. The results of the survey indicated that 52% of the respondent researcher were in support of the Germline Gene Edition (GGE) while a mere 48% was over the objection of the procedure. In a different context, according to Cyranoski (2015), about 72% of the professionals in genetics presented conceding argument that the human genetics should not be altered for whatever reason. Apparently, these findings show a high need to delve in this study as a way of setting the precedence to future and accompanying research.

2. Supporting Argument

2.1 Medical Case

The most couple may be in support of the Germline Gene Edition as a way of solving a particular medical case. It is true that the most compelling and practical clinical application of the Germline Gene Edition (GGE) is preventing the transfer of genetic diseases from one host to a different human being. According to Savulescu, Gyngell, & Douglas, (2016), about 6% of the children born are at a risk of acquiring a hereditary disease from their parents or other members of the family. This venerability to congenital disability is profoundly contributed by the genetic make-up of the children that makes them more susceptible to inheriting a disease. If the genes responsible for causing this treatment can be identified, the victim would have a better chance of getting medical attention through the Germline Gene Edition (GGE). A number of researcher such as Borg et al. (2011); Liao (2005) & Baedke (2012) came to a concession that GGE is necessary for achieving the goal of protecting children from acquiring hereditary diseases.

Apparently, parents who wish to prevent the genetic diseases and disorders may use the “In-vitro Fertilization” (IVF) that can create multiple embryos that are undertaken through medically tested ways to determine suitability before implementation. This, therefore, gives a couple that has experienced a genetic disease before to raise healthy children who do not have to suffer those same predicaments that parents went through. According to Rutley et al. (2014), this process should be informed through a precise medical procedure that will ensure the child is not exposed to further health risks. A couple that is concerned with making the decision to pursue GGE, but their decision should be guided by the medical practitioners who possess sufficient knowhow on GGE. By adopting Germline Gene Edition, the couple will be able to navigate around the genetic complications. Furthermore,...