Unregulated Genetic Technology Threatens to Dehumanize Society

Unregulated Genetic Technology Threatens to Dehumanize Society

When James Watson and Francis Crick discovered the structure of DNA in 1959, they could not have known that their discovery would one day lead to the possibility of a human factory that is equipped with the capabilities to mass produce perfectly designed, immortal human beings on a laboratory assembly line. Of course, this human factory is not yet possible; genetic technology is still in its infancy, and scientists are forced to spend their days unlocking the secret of human genetics in hopes of uncovering cures for diseases, alleviating suffering, and prolonging life. In the midst of their noble work, scientists still dream of a world--a utopia--inhabited by flawless individuals who have forgotten death and never known suffering. What would become of society if such a utopia existed? How will human life be altered? Leon Kass, in Life, Liberty and the Defense of Dignity: The Challenge for Bioethics, acknowledges genetics technology's greatness, and applauds it for its invaluable, benevolent contributions to mankind. However, Kass argues that if left to their devises and ambitions, geneticists--with the power of their technology--will steal away society's most precious asset; genetic technology will rob society of its humanity. Genetic technology can, and will, achieve great things, but unless it is regulated and controlled, the losses will be catastrophic and the costs will far exceed the benefits.

The age of genetic technology has arrived. Thanks to genetic technological advancements, medical practitioners, with the help of genetic profiling, will be able to better diagnose patients and design individual tailored treatments; doctors will be able to discern which medications and treatments will be most beneficial and produce the fewest adverse side effects. Rationally designed vaccines have been created to provide optimal protection against infections. Food scientists have hopes of genetically altering crops to increase food production, and therefore mitigate global hunger. Law enforcement officers find that their job is made easier through the advancement of forensics; forensics is yet another contribution of genetic technology. Doctors have the ability to identify "high-risk" babies before they are born, which enables them to be better prepared in the delivery room. Additionally, oncologists are able to improve survival rates of cancer patients by administering genetically engineered changes in malignant tumors; these changes result in an increased immune response by the individual. With more than fifty years of research, and billions of dollars, scientists have uncovered methods to improve and prolong human life and the possibilities offered by gene therapy and genetic technology are increasing daily. An extraordinarily fantastic healthcare revolution has begun.

Genetic technology is continuous with the traditional medical mission to provide compassionate healing; its primary goal is to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from genetic abnormalities. Geneticists have discovered ways to cure or alleviate some diseases and suffering, and research will continue with the hopes of increasing their powers of healing. However, their eyes are now turned towards higher, more ambitious goals. Their attentions are now placed on transforming the human species into something greater than society could ever hope for; as the day of victory draws near the potential for human greatness seems endless. Eugenic goals of selecting traits to create the "perfect" human are not far from being reached, but ambitions do not stop there. Many have goals of purging the world of low quality individuals, such as: the elderly, the mentally impaired, the horribly deformed, and the incurably ill. Euthanasia advocates are arguing for the involuntary elimination of those whose lives are deemed not worth living, because these "defectives" are perceived as burdens on society. These supporters of euthanasia follow the Nazi sentiment that by exterminating these "less-desirable" individuals, society is cleansed and improved. It is even more horrifying to realize that this is not just an idea for the future; euthanasia is currently practiced in America through prenatal genetic screening. In most cases, practitioners of prenatal diagnosis refuse to screen a fetus for genetic abnormalities unless the mother agrees to abort the fetus if is tis found to possess genetic defects. These practitioners are murdering these "less-desirable" fetuses, on the basis that every child deserves to be "born with a sound physical and mental constitution, based on a sound genotype..." The belief is that no parent has the right to burden society with a "malformed or a mentally incompetent child" (128). Additionally, because of the growing costs of healthcare, insurance companies may one day require that pregnant women undergo these tests, and then refuse to provide coverage for those afflicted children who are not aborted; this economic pressure will increase the number of eugenic abortions. In essence these practices of fetal euthanasia violate the American Creed by depriving families of their free will and their human right to make decisions about their own lives.

Will this euthanasia be transferred to those who, as children or adults, are afflicted with physical and mental defects? Walker Percy, in his novel, The Thanatos Syndrome, makes the claim that "Crazy people have a lot to contribute to society." Everyone has the ability to contribute to society; it is just not always clear how they will do so. Some benefit through public works and humanitarian projects. Some give the gift of laughter. While others, such the intrinsically loving children who suffer from Down's syndrome, can benefit by teaching others to love. If these people are removed, society could forever loose the natural human tendencies and feelings of love and happiness.

If this is the future of society, what is the basis for determining who is worthy of life? In the future, it is possible that eugenics will move towards the selection of only certain traits, and the lack of a genetic anomaly may not be enough to deserve life. A situation could arise in which only those individuals with blonde hair, blue eyes and fair skin are deemed deserving of life; individuals with dark hair, eyes and skin may one day be viewed as having a genetic affliction. This will be the genetic technological equivalent of Nazi Germany and its Weimar doctors. This will be an extended form of genocide, where people who possess