Genetically Eliminating Diseases

Genetically Eliminating Diseases

Our society is fascinated and has benefited the by scientific discoveries that we have made in research and experiments concern genes and chromosomes.  But how far is too far?  Can an unethical scientific experiment produce something value for the future?  Is worth it and is there a justifiable reason? This article on BBC news reports the stance the United States is taking as it applies to modifying DNA in embryos.  To paraphrazed, the United States will not fund this type of research but this type of experiment has been going on in China.  I must say that China has an unique outlook on population control which make me believe that they would not be completely against what we would consider "a line that should not be crossed."  The research is traying  to modify DNA at the genetics level in embryos to eliminate diseases that causes by defective DNA.  However, everyone doesn't see it as such a good thing after all.
"Dr Marcy Darnovsky, from the Center for Genetics and Society in the US, argued: "There is no persuasive medical reason to manipulate the human germline because inherited genetic diseases can be prevented using embryo screening techniques, among other means (Gallagher, 2015)."  There are additional screening processes that look for chromosomal defects before the embryo is implanted into the uterus.  However these treatments are normally for parents that are high risk for Down's Syndrome, etc.  The intent seems to be noble but the sacrifice to attain the goal of eliminating genetic defects may be too much.

Embryo screening. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2015, from http://www.londonwomensclinic.com/london/embryo_screening

Gallagher, J. (2015, April 30). US 'will not fund research for modifying embryo DNA' - BBC News. Retrieved May 2, 2015, from http://www.bbc.com/news/health-32530334