The ethics of genetic engineering (Essay Sample)

Name Instructor Course Date The ethics of genetic engineering The field of genetic engineering raises a number of ethical concerns, from the potential for eugenics to the consequences of playing God. One major ethical concern is the potential for genetic engineering to be used for eugenic purposes, leading to the creation of a genetically superior class. This concern was highlighted in a study by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, which found that genetic engineering had the potential to reinforce societal inequalities and lead to discrimination against those who do not possess certain genetic traits (Nuffield Council on Bioethics, 2018). Another ethical concern is the potential for unintended consequences of genetic engineering. As genetic engineering technology advances, it becomes possible to edit the human genome in ways that were previously unimaginable. However, the long-term consequences of these genetic changes are unknown and could have unintended and potentially harmful effects. A study by the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that while genetic engineering has the potential to provide numerous benefits, it also raises significant ethical concerns that must be carefully considered (American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2015). Additionally, there is the concern of playing God, or the idea that genetic engineering represents an unwarranted interference with the natural order of things. This concern is rooted in the belief that humans should not seek to manipulate the natural world in such a profound way. In a study by the Journal of Medical Ethics, it was found that man...