Chapter 14. Human Genetics and Genetic Enhancement
- John Bryant Professor2,
- Dr Linda Baggott la Velle3,
- Revd Dr John Searle4
Published Online: 18 APR 2002
DOI: 10.1002/0470846593.ch14
Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Book Title
Bioethics for Scientists
Additional Information
How to Cite
Turnpenny, P. and Bryant, J. (2002) Human Genetics and Genetic Enhancement, in Bioethics for Scientists (eds J. Bryant, L. B. la Velle and J. Searle), John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK. doi: 10.1002/0470846593.ch14
Editor Information
- 2
School of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- 3
Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- 4
Exeter & District Hospice, Exeter, UK
Publication History
- Published Online: 18 APR 2002
- Published Print: 31 MAR 2002
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9780471495321
Online ISBN: 9780470846599
- Summary
- Chapter
Keywords:
- eugenics;
- fetus/foetus;
- gene therapy;
- genetic diagnosis;
- genetic disease;
- genetic enhancement;
- GM;
- human genome;
- mammal;
- transgenic
Summary
Advances in human genetics have opened new possibilities in the detection and treatment of genetic disease. It is possible to diagnose genetic disease/malfunction at all stages of life, including pre-implantation embryos, fetuses in established pregnancies and fully-formed live humans. This provides information that enables prospective parents to make decisions about the birth of babies with genetic disease/malfunction or even to select embryos with particular desirable characteristics. Meanwhile, GM techniques facilitate gene therapy to replace ‘faulty’ genes. This is currently only permitted with somatic cells but germ-line gene therapy is likely not to be long-delayed. However, the distinction between GM for therapy and GM for enhancement is not very clear either practically or ethically. Indeed, many of these developments raise ethical concerns, including the possible devaluation of the genetically ‘disabled’ and the possibility of a ‘new eugenics’ based on eliminating what is perceived as genetic disease, combined with the availability of genetic enhancement.