Genetic Engineering in humans a poll

[QuiltyConscience]

one more time Maybe?

[SingingMom]

Are you looking for answers now, Quilty? It's hard to tell with so many polls!

I have a hard time getting worked up about genetic engineering, since there isn't much out there yet. When somebody figures out how to give me optional gills or a new skin or hair color, I might get excited.

But AFAIK, the only genetic engineering out there is therapeutic and experimental. I can't get angry with people who are trying to save a kid from leukemia or something.

Now, if you're talking about engineering fetuses for IQ or some crazy stuff like that, I might have an opinion... Which is that it won't work and they'll only sell it to people who are uninformed or ridiculously optimistic. The best genetic engineering there is, is to try and convince someone smarter and more attractive than you to coparent your children.

[QuiltyConscience]

LOL, very sorry I had trouble figuring out how to make a poll. But yes, I am hoping for answers now. It's a project for DD's class, and she asked me to post it.

Of course any input related to the topic would be welcome and much appreciated!

[QuiltyConscience]

This is the right poll. Or a better one at least.

[Tiffers]

Interesting poll, Quilty. I'm curious to read the info your daughter comes up with.

I carry a gene mutation that has a 100% chance of causing colon cancer if preventative measures are not taken. It killed my grandmother at 29 years old and several members of my immediate and extended family are colonless because of it. I have passed it on to my son, and possibly to my daughter (she hasn't been tested yet). If it were possible to alter/replace/mutate the gene so that it was healthy (not sure how this genetic engineering works), I would do it in a heartbeat.

I have a close friend who is a Muscular Dystrophy carrier and she has sworn off having children of her own for fear of losing another loved one to MD. Both her brothers had it and died from MD complications within 9 months of each other (ages 15 and 19). One of them also had Down Syndrome.

Just imagine the impact genetic engineering could have on this world if major life threatening genetic diseases could be completely eliminated.


I don't, however, feel comfortable messing with genes just to alter gender (unless its to prevent gender specific diseases like MD) or cosmetic preferences.

[QuiltyConscience]

Thanks Tiffers.
I think DD will register and log in to read and ask question about the thread.

[pawprint]

I dont even know what to check. i don't generally make assumptions about what is or isn;t morally wrong. my morals differ from yours, and yours from the next guy. it doesn't particularly bother me even though i probably wouldnt do it. that said, if the came out tomorrow with a way to eliminate the diabetes risk my dh gave my sons, i might think about it.

[Babyhellfire]

I dont even know what to check. i don't generally make assumptions about what is or isn;t morally wrong. my morals differ from yours, and yours from the next guy.


Pretty much that. I am not sure what I even think moral or immoral about it.

[tata]

I don't know. Too bad that's not an option.

I suppose I feel like you shouldn't fuck with mother nature. I cringe at the idea of GMOs and consumption of them. But I haven't given this particular matter enough thought to weigh in with an educated opinion.

[Meredith]

I don't really have an educated opinion, either, and I don't really feel that I'm in the position of telling someone else what is or isn't right for their lives, as long as it doesn't hurt mine.

[Tweet]

I don't really have an educated opinion, either, and I don't really feel that I'm in the position of telling someone else what is or isn't right for their lives, as long as it doesn't hurt mine.


Same here. I'd really have to know a lot more about it. Definitely I see the benefit when it comes to avoiding certain genes. If I had the HD gene it might be something I considered. When we get into things like gender and eye color and all that, I just don't have a strong opinion on it. That isn't something I'd do and it does seem odd ,but as long as the baby is wanted and loved, whom am I to judge if the parents really wanted a specific thing? I'm not sure there is any great potential for abuse so it's hard for me to answer.

[JudyJudyJudy]

None of the answers fit for me. Like tata, I don't think we should screw around with genes, but it's not a moral issue for me. The issue is that if you screw with nature in one area, something else gets out of balance.