Scientists should be free to pursue genetic research
Science thrives - and humanity benefits - when researchers are free to pursue knowledge and follow the trail of its discoveries, wherever they may lead.
Prohibiting research into areas such as cloning and genetic alteration may allay the public's fears, but could also cut off progress that would benefit millions. It's immoral to block research that could improve so many lives.
Besides, who gets to decide what knowledge is good and what is bad? Pursuing knowledge is a basic human freedom, and controlling knowledge is a favorite weapon of any tyrant.
In reality, people will inevitably pursue new ideas, with or without government approval. Forcing such research underground or overseas is no answer. It is better for society to learn to handle new knowledge and its social implications than to try and outlaw it.
What Should be Done?
Lift bans on federal funding for embryo research, including stem cells and fertility problems. Allow scientists to conduct research into correcting defective genes that cause disease, especially in cases where a fatal gene flaw could be inherited by the next generation. Repeal bans on cloning Encourage wider use of genetic screening Enact privacy rules controlling the release of genetic test results to employers or insurance companies Ensure that public health agencies have access to information about the collective health of their citizens.
Arguments For This Approach
Scientific discovery and knowledge cannot simply be banned; someone will inevitably move forward on these fronts. Banning cloning would create a dangerous precedent because it would mark the first time an entire medical research field has been prohibited. In the U.S., government restrictions against scientific methods have only been upheld to protect the rights of others, such as allowing informed consent. Many scientific discoveries have been made inadvertently. By probing genetics to its full extent, we might make important advances that might otherwise have never been known. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that procreation is a basic civil right. Cloning is just another reproductive tool, and the 15 percent of Americans who are infertile should not be denied the right to procreate. Genetic testing is no different from other medical information insurance companies already access. Wider use of screenings could in fact help lower premiums for many people if they test negative for certain diseases, as premiums would be based on levels of risk not on the law of averages, as they are now.
Arguments Against This Approach
Because the cost of genetic manipulation is exorbitant, we could end up with deeper social divisions, based not just on money, but biology as well. Widespread genetic testing could lead to some people being excluded from life or health insurance plans, or subject to high rates simply because they carry a certain gene. Animal cloning is highly experimental; some are born severely deformed and die within a week. Its immoral to take those kinds of risks on humans for the sake of experimentation. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has said that cloning as a treatment for infertility does not currently meet the standards of ethical acceptability because too much about it is unknown.
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