Against Genetic Enhancement

Introduction:
There are several downsides to genetic enhancement that clearly take precedent over the so-called benefits that genetic enhancement seems to have. We should, as human beings be observant of the fact that human life is a precious resource and that we should not put the lives of the innocent in harm’s way. Some forms of genetic enhancement have been known to actually put people in an increased risk of harm or even death. An example of this is seen through the newly-made germline therapy. In this procedure, scientists have tried to eliminate genetic diseases such as sickle-cell anemia through altering the genetic structures of the infected persons. However, if the scientists make even one mistake, then the person could be put at risk for having an even worse disease or they may even be susceptible to death. It is also important to understand that genetic enhancement provides a violation to the natural human rights through taking away certain natural-born choices. While genetic enhancement could be seen as being good from the liberalist point of view, the more conservative point of view must also be considered in order for there to be a fair judgement. Genetic enhancement can be seen as being a way for people to “play God” and change things that were not generally meant to be changed. There is a clear line between common medical procedures and the procedures entailed by these relativity new forms of genetic enhancement in the human perspective. In common medical operations there is generally a large insurance of success. However, in genetic enhancement there is not enough evidence of potential success to give anybody a sense of insurance. Why should people spend thousands and thousands of dollars to take a chance to change something that might fail in the long run? It is like playing the lottery, there are a lot of losers and very few winners. Since it is not fully developed there is a far less chance of success than with common medical practices such as...