Should the government prohibit Should the government prohibit research in the field of human research in the field of human

genetic engineering?genetic engineering?by Maggie Fleming

Research in the field of human genetic engineering should not be prohibited due to potential medicalbenefits; but it needs to be regulated

because of possible negativeeffects on society andethical issues that havearisen.

Opposing ViewpointsOpposing ViewpointsGenetic engineering in humans is going to happen; it’s unstoppable and will be beneficial. Government regulation pointlessly postpones the inevitable progress. As research in this field continues, brand new markets will open to boost our economy and horrific genetic diseases like Huntington’s will be cured. Genetic engineering in humans will lead us into a better future.

Opposing ViewpointsOpposing ViewpointsGenetic engineering is both

dangerous and ethically wrong. It could have devastating effects on our environment by limiting diversity. It will eventually lead to immoral practices such as human enhancement and eugenics (parents aborting children because they do not want certain characteristics in offspring). Furthermore, it is “playing God” which is unacceptable. Messing with nature is something we should not pursue.

Opposing ViewpointsOpposing ViewpointsGenetic engineering in humans could be hugely beneficial, but risks and possible inappropriate uses of this technology (designer babies, genetic enhancement) make government regulation necessary.

Why This Topic is TimelyWhy This Topic is Timely The new Obama administration The new Obama administration

will develop new policies will develop new policies regarding the role of regarding the role of government in scientific government in scientific research.research.

The world economy is suffering, The world economy is suffering, so businesses are looking for so businesses are looking for new ideas and new markets new ideas and new markets offered by genetic engineering.offered by genetic engineering.

Technology has made Technology has made tremendous advances such as tremendous advances such as genetic engineering and cloning genetic engineering and cloning of animals, so applying this of animals, so applying this knowledge to humans is an knowledge to humans is an unavoidable political debate for unavoidable political debate for our generation.our generation.

PurposePurpose

To “join the To “join the conversation”conversation”

To inform my To inform my audience of both audience of both the positive and the positive and negative aspects negative aspects of genetic of genetic engineering in engineering in order to show order to show the need for the need for regulated regulated researchresearch

Important QuestionsImportant Questions How will knowledge

affect our healthcare system?

What are the possible negative effects of this technology on our environment?

What role does religion/spirituality play in the opposition to genetic engineering?

Are the risks worth the benefits?

AudienceAudienceHigh School StudentsAges 14-18Male/FemaleMiddle Class

•Religious bias- God is the creator and people should not “play God”

•Personal stake- future health of their children, a world free of genetic disorders, will be a political issue in their lifetime

•Likely to know little about the topic except a brief overview learned in biology…misinformation from TV/movies that makes it seem like science-fiction (creating monsters)

ScheduleSchedule Feb 23: outline and write intoFeb 23: outline and write into Feb 24: outline and write subtopic 1Feb 24: outline and write subtopic 1 Feb 25: outline and write subtopic 2Feb 25: outline and write subtopic 2 Feb 26: outline and write subtopic 3Feb 26: outline and write subtopic 3 Feb 27: outline and write conclusionFeb 27: outline and write conclusion Feb 28: editFeb 28: edit March 1: Essay DueMarch 1: Essay Due

Works CitedWorks Cited

http://easybib.com/cite/view/list/13149666http://easybib.com/cite/view/list/13149666