Stem cell research involves creating stem cells from either embryo’s that were produced by IVF but were not used or from adult bone marrow or blood. These stem cells are then allowed to multiply and be transplanted into diseased cells to create a cure.
There are several non-religious arguments both for and against genetic engineering. The non-religious arguments in favour of genetic engineering are as follows: it offers the possibility of cures for currently incurable diseases, it is already available to rich people as it is being carried out in other countries which are easily accessible to people who can afford it. Adult cells would be used for stem cell cloning instead of embryos when it becomes easy enough. It is monitored by law but has many potential benefits.
However, the non-religious arguments against genetic engineering are as follows: there is not enough information about long term consequences, if anything went wrong the effects would be permanent, scientists could potentially create a race of ‘perfect humans’. It treats the human body as a commodity similar to a plant. Also, it creates the possibility of people having to be genetically screened before getting life insurance etc. People likely to die young or develop illnesses would lose out.
There are different views on genetic engineering throughout the various Churches of Christianity. Liberal Protestants support genetic engineering as long as it is to cure disease and not create ‘perfect humans’. They think this because Jesus showed that Christians should try their best to cure disease, also they feel that genetic cures are no different to drug cures. They also accept all non-religious arguments in favour of genetic engineering.
On the other hand, Roman Catholics agree with genetic engineering as long as embryos are not used. They think this because Jesus showed that Christians should do their best to cure diseases. They also feel that genetic cures are no different to drug cures. They do not feel that embryos should be used as they feel that life begins at the moment of conception and killing life is wrong. Embryos produced through IVF would have had to involve the male masturbating which is against the views of the Roman Catholic Church.
Whereas other Christians are against any form of genetic engineering as they feel it is trying to ‘play God’ which is a sin. Also, they think it is wrong to try and make the earth perfect, only heaven is perfect. They also accept all non-religious arguments against genetic engineering.
There is not a correct answer for the question of whether or not genetic engineering is correct, it is up to individuals to decide what they feel is morally right. For example, in the television programme ‘Belief File – Belief and Genetics’ that was aired on BBC2 a man who had a disorder which caused him to have brittle bones decided to have a child, this child may or may not have the disorder when she is born. It turned out the child was born with brittle bones and had to endure great hardship from breaking bones whenever she fell over. Some people would feel that it was morally wrong for the father to have a child knowing the risk and hardship the child could encounter. However, the father felt that he should be able to have a child with his partner even though there was a chance the disorder could have been passed on.
In conclusion, I disagree with the statement that only God has the right to interfere with our genes because genetic engineering could potentially improve the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people, also, God gave us this power and so we should use it to help the human race.
