Bioethics/Sanctity of Human Life: Genetics
If the term "genetics" brings to mind a picture of scientists tinkering with the microscopic intricacies of someone’s genes and chromosomes, you’re right. The prospect of genetic intervention holds both great promise and great peril — it all depends on how humans manage this amazing knowledge.
The ability to chart a new genetic course for patients is possible thanks to the successful mapping of the hidden biological blueprint called the human genome. This newly revealed information may open pathways to heal some of humankind’s most devastating diseases. It may also pose a tremendous threat to the genetic stability of future generations. Will scientists limit the use of genetic knowledge to treat individual patients? Or will the power to “correct” genetic defects in the gene pool prove too tempting to resist? These are critical questions facing our nation. The following resources are designed to help you navigate the sometimes complex terminology and concepts involved in genetic research.
Features
Turn Signal Video: New Law Protects Those Taking Part in Genetic Testing
Legislation passes that protects individuals' genetic privacy.
What the Media Won't Tell You About Stem Cell Research
The debate over stem cell research is raging across the nation and echoing through chambers of Congress and state legislatures. Most people have heard just enough to offer an opinion to friends and neighbors. Every new study on embryonic stem cells produces an onslaught of optimistic articles confidently proclaiming that with just a little more time and a lot more public money embryonic stem cells will provide cures for dozens of diseases and hope for millions of sick patients. Meanwhile, stories promoting adult stem cells seem to be less optimistic and much less prominent. Casual observers might reasonably conclude that embryonic stem cells hold the most promise while adult stem cells are of secondary interest. They would be wrong.
Gene Therapy
As a method to treat genetic disease, gene therapy may offer ethical, life-affirming hope to patients with a debilitating disease.
Gene Therapy: A Brief History
Gene therapy is a method of correcting a genetic disease in an indvidual without the traditional use of medication and surgery. In the last couple decades there have been tremondous strides taken in the areas of gene therapy.
Limitations of Gene Therapy
The term “gene therapy” often conjures up images of futuristic, science fiction-type alterations of the human race. Although there may be the potential in the future to use this technology to create “superhumans” with enhanced mental and physical capabilities, there are significant limitations on current gene therapy techniques. Attempts to use gene therapy to treat disease have been fraught with technological and scientific limitations – not to mention ethical and social concerns.
Prenatal Gene Therapy: Treating Genetic Defects in the Womb
Expectant parents routinely undergo prenatal testing to find out if their baby is healthy. Parents who receive an adverse diagnosis are faced with two options: end the life of their preborn baby or prepare for the birth of an affected child. The good news is that someday there may be a third option – repairing the preborn baby’s genetic code before he or she is born.
Quick Facts
In Vitro Fertilization and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
Genetic Counseling
Genetic Testing and Screening
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions: Gene Therapy and Enhancement
Frequently Asked Questions: Genetics
Frequently Asked Questions: The Human Genome Project
Frequently Asked Questions: The Language of Genetics
Exploring the Issue
Note: Some of these resources refer to sites not produced by FOF. These are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement.
