The question all scientists are asking today is: Should CRISPR be used to improve the genes of our offspring, who would then pass them on to subsequent generations? Looking at cases where this has stirred up a stir in numerous debates, it is quite clear that gene editing relates to several factors, such as: ethics, expense, risks to human health, and ultimately, notions of disparity among our future population. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThe recent topic making the rounds in the international media is the latest gene editing technique, CRISPR/Cas9. Although this machine may change the face of science in the years to come – with its ability to cure congenital diseases and elaborate our knowledge of the human genome – its criticism is linked to topics such as human moral decay and security risks linked to it. Higher authorities in different parts of the world have independently come to a conclusion regarding the use of CRSIPR in their country, and many of them have backed away from the idea of using it due to the foreseeable consequences. CRISPR, just like any other newer medical therapy, poses a serious ethical concern. Many fear that if it were used for genetic enhancement purposes rather than medical treatments, it would ultimately lead to a society full of “custom-made babies.” This in turn would cause disparity among the population as the entire society would be occupied by people with genetic haves and have-nots, as the lower class would not be able to afford such treatments and would therefore carry unengineered genes. (Lewis, 2015, no pagination) This issue could be associated with the appearance of eugenics, which is the racist practice of choosing who should and should not be embraced in a population because of their hereditary qualities. A historian of science, Daniel Kevles, at New York University recalled that eugenics was practiced everywhere, stating: “Eugenics was not the exclusive preserve of the Nazis.” Adding: “it could – and has – happened anywhere.” Eugenics is likely to cause disputes between communities and ultimately bloodshed due to discrimination against unwanted groups of people in society (Lewis, 2015, no pagination). History proves this as the German Nazis terrorized those who did not fit into the “race”, the Aryans. Some religious beliefs also revolve around abstinence from CRISPR use. Some experts argue that improving an embryo's germ line by technical means is tantamount to ignoring God's creations since it changes what God has already instilled for the specific being. This raises concerns that people are morally decayed to such an extent that they abuse the creation of the Almighty just to get something that suits them. It would be horrible to see people competing over which people to be born. Parents should learn to love their children regardless of their appearance, behavior, or performance (King, 2017, no pagination). Aside from ethical concerns, CRIPSR could pose a financial burden to many underdeveloped countries if implemented. However, many of the first world countries would prefer to have it because it would make them a better name around the world due to the advancement in the medical field. Science writer and New York Times columnist Carl Zimmer discussed the introduction of CRISPR in an interview with Business Insider: “I haven't seen anyone give a reason.
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