I have copied a pasted two of my peers original posts and I need responses to both. I have also copied and pasted the Original discussion assignment instructions/questions
.Genetic Modification
Read the article from the Guardian newspaper entitled, “Genetically modified babies given go ahead by UK ethics body.” The article describes a report from an ethics panel in the United Kingdom that assessed whether it was ethical for parents to genetically modify embryos, either to prevent genetic diseases or to enhance particular features of their children.
In the Discussion, answer the following questions:
Do you think it is ethical—morally right—for parents to genetically modify zygotes in order to prevent them from inheriting serious genetic diseases? Why or why not?
Do you think the ethics are different if the parents decide to genetically modify a year-old baby to prevent it from developing a serious genetic disease? Why or why not?
Do you think it would be ethical for an adult to have cells genetically modified to cure or lessen the severity of a genetic disease? Why or why not?
Do you think your judgements would change, if the changes were not to cure a disease but to make cosmetic changes, perhaps changing height or eye color? Would these changes be ethical? Why or why not?
PEER 1:
1.) I do not think it is ethical for parents to genetically modify zygotes. I see why people would find it ideal to want to try and prevent their children from having potential genetic diseases. But I don’t believe it is moral to try and play God. I think by changing someone’s genes could cause potential consequences that we don’t know about.
2.) I don’t think it is any different. I think it could cause more harm than good just because it is a permanent change and there are so many unknowns.
3.) I think it’s not right to modify your genetics but since they would be an adult they can make that decision on their own without someone forcing them. they would be made aware of the consequences and risks so I think this would be ethical.
4.) I still don’t think it is ethical to change your genetic makeup, especially for cosmetic reasons. We already have so many ways to change our appearance I don’t think we need any more.
PEER 2:
I do not think it is ethical for anyone to genetically modify zygotes for any reason. Even though the idea sounds great and the reason may seem beneficial, God created humans and life for a special reason. There is a fine line between scientific advances and playing God. When we start to mess with the natural order of things, bad things can happen and then there would be major consequences.
I do not believe the ethics are different in this situation because altering someone’s genetics is a permanent change that can alter who that person will become.
This situation is different because the person choosing to change cells is the person to whom the change is happening. This is okay because they can accept the risk of the choice. When the change is happening to an embryo then that person can not choose for themselves.
My judgments would not change because it honestly would be worse for the changes to be purely cosmetic. To risk a genetic change for something cosmetic would be awful and vain. The last thing the society needs is another way to change the way we look.
