Reprogenetics: Should It Be Used?

With any emerging technology it is very easy to see that the possibilities provided by it can often conflict in moral and social aspects. This is especially true with technologies such as reprogenetics, where altering the most natural processes of life become possible. I believe that such a breakthrough can provide benefits never before obtained, while also creating the potential for malevolent acts.

I personally feel that the benefits of reprogenetics are too great to not explore further. The ability, for example, to become completely immune to an array of diseases from birth would save millions of lives. The only foreseeable issue with using reprogenetics to prevent contraction of diseases is the ever expanding definition of the word “disease”. Recently more and more problems have adopted the label of disease which raises the question of what we should and shouldn’t prevent from child birth. Depression for example, in severe forms creates serious problems for the normal function of some individuals’ lives. However, it has recently been shown that those who experience mild depression on a regular basis are far more empathetic to others than those who do not. There are a number of areas that this disease label could be applied ending in catastrophe for how we as humans are intended to function.

On a similar note is the idea of intelligence modification. Every parent wants their child to be as intelligent as possible so that their chances for success are greater. While the concept of manipulating genes in order to facilitate higher intelligence levels may be a good concept in theory it also presents several issues. Currently the gene we would use to make our children smarter is thought to be Human Accelerated Region 1(HAR1) that has been shown to have accelerated much faster in humans than any other species. However, since we do not fully understand all that this gene controls by altering it in order to force a false intelligence the consequences could be dire. Creating humans with no differentiating ideas or creativity, we could become more like computers, being able to perform tremendous calculations but produce no new ideas of our own.

In order to come to a conclusion of whether or not this technology should be used we must also take into consideration differing social and political environments. Some societies would use reprogenetics to aid in disease prevention, and the general welfare of the people within the society. On the other hand, some political leaders may choose to use such a technology for far less admirable means. For example, if Adolf Hitler had reprogenetics at his disposable he may have attempted to genetically alter all the births he could to create his idea of a “perfect race”. This and other frightening concepts are very valid reasons why such a technology must have some restrictions placed on it so that malicious individuals do not attempt such heinous acts.

In relation to Hitlers “perfect race” some families may feel that other than intelligence physical appearance may be important to the success of their child. I find the concept of genetically changing your child’s appearance to be a poor use of such an amazing technology. One of the most beautiful things about humanity is that we all look so remarkably different. By changing our children to look like our favorite movie stars we would be taking away one of the most important human characteristics, diversity.

With social differences and malevolent intentions aside I would personally use reprogenetics on my own children to ensure that they do not contract certain diseases. Conversely, I would not allow there appearance to be changed nor would I accept an adjustment to there level of intelligence. I also feel that if the human race had the maturity to use such a powerful tool I would like to see it used to an extent. I do fear that we would end up using it in an appalling manner though, but perhaps I should have more faith in humanity.