Blood Clotting
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/11/health/research/hemophilia-b-gene-therapy-breakthrough.html?_r=1&ref=geneticengineering
Summary: This article is about how scientist have created a virus that carries Factor IX to defective genes. This Factor IX will help the clotting of blood cells. The disease Hemophilia B is caused from a defect on the X chromosome. This Factor will help restore the defect. However, this method is expensive. The virus is a method of treating the defect but not a cure. The cost of each injection is 30,000 per person. Also, the virus carrying the Factor IX has to be different every time it is injected or the body will attack the virus. Regardless, this is only the beginning of what gene therapy can do for individuals who suffer from genetic defects.
Question: Is it moral for people to use gene therapy to cure themselves of diseases they never wanted?
I say this is okay because its a benefit for humanity. why suffer with a disease if you can easily solve the problem. there is no problem in this so its okay to do so.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of morality, yes it is okay for people to use gene therapy to cure diseases. There is a difference between improvement and benefitting society than trying to enhance the human race. Humans are given certain knowledge and talents for a reason; but if we simply let these new discovers and invention go to waste, then we are wasting talent. As long as the virus does not harm the individual in the immediate stage and in the long run, then it is okay. In a way, gene therapy is just like any other therapy we get in life. Similar to counseling, gene therapy will help individuals get back on the right track with their health.
ReplyDelete