What are the main concerns about the ethics of gene therapy?
There are many questions and questions about the ethics of gene therapy surrounding this practice. Gene therapy involves making changes to a person's genetic profile that is a set of instructions or a plan for this unique individual. One of the ethical concerns includes whether it is morally correct to make such changes, especially if they can affect future generations. Further concerns about the ethics of gene therapy have to do with the application of technology; Many believe it is acceptable to use it to treat harmful disorders, but not to strengthen the basic features of a person. There are also concerns about the availability of these expensive treatments and the risk of being reserved for the rich.
One of the main concerns about the ethics of gene therapy is related to the existence of the practice itself and whether it is morally acceptable. All types of gene therapy include a permanent change in the individual's genetic profile; One type called germine gene therapy allows passedchanges to descendants and future generations. Opponents of practice express reservations about the risks of unknown side effects on long distance and developmental problems for future generations and believe that further study is required before undergoing these risks. Some also have a problem with gene therapy for religious reasons, because they consider it manipulation of God's design. Fans of gene therapy quote the enormous potential to save lives and erad the genetic disorders and it seems that rewards are worth risks.
Another serious concern for the ethics of gene therapy is that it has the potential to be abused. Many individuals agree that they may be beneficial for the treatment of harmful life disorders. However, there are concerns that this could lead to its use to remove any difference from the ideal of society. Some people are recognized by the fact that gene therapy could be the beginning of genetic engineering to create a "perfect" man. Another problem is the abuse of gene therapy to increase performanceEven people, thereby changing abilities such as intelligence, speed or coordination. Scientists and the American Medical Association agree that such use of gene therapy would be a violation of ethics and should not be allowed.
There are also problems on the cost of treatment related to the ethics of gene therapy. Due to the experimental nature of gene therapy, it is very expensive and usually does not cover health insurance. These costs make gene therapy treatment out of reach for most individuals because it is generally affordable only for very rich. There are concerns that gene therapy could become an exclusive treatment reserved for a rich elite, while the others denied the approach. In accordance with the Medical Code of the Ethics Code, many in the medical community committed to open -air, regardless of socio -economic state.