Essay, Research Paper: Genetics

The question has brushed through the pages of newspapers and has been mentioned on talk shows and television. It has even appeared in books written by well educated men and even on the internet. Its morality and justification have been questioned since the day of its conception. You ask, what is it that has causes such a demand of attention? The concept is simple, the alteration of human genes, but the outcome is vague. The alteration of human genetics, or scientifically, genetic engineering. What is to come of this relatively new idea? Will it be the center of debate and conversation, or will it be like some new invention that quickly races into our lives and then fades like the sun at night? Human genetic engineering has caused many people to act out in rage and anger, and at the same time it has shed new light on life-on progression and science. Is human genetic engineering morally justified? I suppose you will have to decide that for yourself.
Many years ago, in fact almost 5 decades ago a French scientist named Jauque Fernier set on a journey of discovery and adventure, he set out to determine if there could be a way to alter the human gene, or basic make-up of the human body. Fernier quit his job at the famous Paris Laboratory of Science, and decided to work on his project in secrecy. From the lightly lit, two room laboratory in his Paris home, Fernier discovered one of the most miraculous discoveries of our time, the true possibility of changing the very make-up of the human being. By careful research and study, Jauque Fernier discovered that it was possible to alter or change completely the human genome. It was from that small basement lab that genetic engineering was born. As the years moved on, Fernier attended and hosted a variety of science convention and research meetings. He laid out his findings, and hoped that he could find the right person to float is project financially. At last Fernier had found his man. At a convention held in New York City, Fernier found the proper funding he needed to begin research on this new and exciting development. From that day forward, the world would not be the same. Big changes were coming, and Fernier was more excited than a child at a birthday party.
The idea of human genetic engineering has been the center of many scientific debates and circles. The actual idea of changing the make-up of humans, in order to fulfil a man made fantasy. The idea of changing the genes inside you body, were not taken lightly. Since the day the idea of human genetic engineering was produced, people have fought will all their might to rid the world of this new practice. It is argued by many that when scientists use genetic engineering, they are playing God in the laboratories. “Who gives the scientists the right to do what they want in the labs? ...don’t they realize that they are playing with fire, and you know what happens when you play with fire, you will get burned!” (James Cooper)
I believe it is a valid question, who does give the rights to a scientist to play with genes, to experiment on humans? I offer another question, is there anyone who actually holds the rights to a human being? It is a two sided question. People against genetic engineering attack that scientists are taking away the rights of science, but I still wonder if there are such things as the rights of science. I was always under the impression that science was an open field, you take it for what it is worth, you add what you know and discover what you didn’t. In all honesty I think that when people fight against science, they are hurting progression and ceasing the momentum of discovery. When scientists place money and time into a project it is not in vain. They are usually working with the interest of the public in mind. After all wouldn’t a scientist get more credit and recognition if he helped society, not hurt it?
Over the years many people have teamed together as groups to fight the scientists and their research. Many groups like SAGE, Society Against Genetic Engineering, span the globe speaking out against the acts and continuing research of genetic engineering. SAGE believes that there is not moral justification for the alteration of humans or their genes. Janet Wilburnson, president of the organization backed by a dozen U.S. senators, states, “It is about time the world wakes up and realizes that the scientists can go to far. When is there an end? Will it come when some life is ruined by wrongful engineering, or when the researchers cause bigger problems that we have today?”


Word Count: 803