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http://www.genetics-and-society.org/perspectives/glbt.html
As a reader of science fiction I have thought more than most people might about the subjects of cloning and inheritable genetic modification. I think that a ban on reproductive cloning of human beings at this stage of the development of the cloning process is a good idea because at this point it would result in severe problems for the offspring so produced.
On the other hand I see nothing wrong with limited inheritable genetic modification, specifically to eliminate genes that cause conditions that are universally recognized as solely harmful. For example cystic fibrosis, which is universally agreed to be a potentially fatal condition that causes severe problems for sufferers and is caused by one gene with no positive benefits even hinted at. I would suggest that this would be an ideal target for elimination from the human genome so that while we continue to work on ways to improve the lives of people with cystic fibrosis there would be fewer people born with the condition as time goes on. The method for this modification could be very simple, for example choosing embryos in artificial insemination that do not have the gene.
Rather than an absolute ban it should be a ban that takes into account the potential positive benefits of the elimination of faulty genes, with safeguards to prevent the elimination of useful genetic diversity. I think particularly nasty is their perspective page on disability and genetics. They oppose all attempts to stop new people from being born with genetic syndromes or diseases because it might cause less respect for people with those conditions who are already alive. In other words they want to condemn future generations to have their same difficulties, shortened lives, and painful problems because they're afraid of how they might potentially be treated.
Does anyone know of a foundation or group that opposes these luddites?
As a reader of science fiction I have thought more than most people might about the subjects of cloning and inheritable genetic modification. I think that a ban on reproductive cloning of human beings at this stage of the development of the cloning process is a good idea because at this point it would result in severe problems for the offspring so produced.
On the other hand I see nothing wrong with limited inheritable genetic modification, specifically to eliminate genes that cause conditions that are universally recognized as solely harmful. For example cystic fibrosis, which is universally agreed to be a potentially fatal condition that causes severe problems for sufferers and is caused by one gene with no positive benefits even hinted at. I would suggest that this would be an ideal target for elimination from the human genome so that while we continue to work on ways to improve the lives of people with cystic fibrosis there would be fewer people born with the condition as time goes on. The method for this modification could be very simple, for example choosing embryos in artificial insemination that do not have the gene.
Rather than an absolute ban it should be a ban that takes into account the potential positive benefits of the elimination of faulty genes, with safeguards to prevent the elimination of useful genetic diversity. I think particularly nasty is their perspective page on disability and genetics. They oppose all attempts to stop new people from being born with genetic syndromes or diseases because it might cause less respect for people with those conditions who are already alive. In other words they want to condemn future generations to have their same difficulties, shortened lives, and painful problems because they're afraid of how they might potentially be treated.
Does anyone know of a foundation or group that opposes these luddites?