Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
09:04
Generation of Defined Genomic Modifications Using CRISPR-CAS9 in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: September 25, 2019
Genetic engineering to avoid genetic neglect: from chance to responsibility
1Victoria University of Wellington - School of History, Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations, PO Box 600 Wellington, Wellington 6140, New Zealand. jessjhammond@yahoo.co.uk
Bioethics
|April 16, 2010
Summary
Parental obligations are expanding beyond environmental care to include genetic interventions. Failing to use genetic technologies to prevent serious diseases in children constitutes
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Reproductive Technologies
- Parental Obligations
Background:
- Parental assessment traditionally relies on environmental inputs for child development.
- Emerging genetic intervention technologies introduce a new dimension to parenting standards.
- This shift expands potential avenues for parental neglect, termed 'genetic neglect'.
Purpose of the Study:
- To argue for consistent moral treatment of conventional neglect and genetic neglect.
- To explore parental moral obligations regarding the use of genetic interventions.
- To examine the impact of prenatal genetic interventions on maternal bodily integrity.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of moral obligations in parenting.
- Ethical examination of genetic technologies and their implications.
- Case-based reasoning focusing on prenatal interventions.
Main Results:
- Parents may have a moral obligation to utilize genetic treatments to prevent serious disabilities.
- Bodily integrity of expectant mothers is a significant consideration but can be outweighed.
- Consistent moral standards should apply to both traditional and genetic forms of neglect.
Conclusions:
- The advent of genetic technologies necessitates a re-evaluation of parental duties.
- Moral obligations to prevent serious genetic conditions in offspring are likely to increase.
- While maternal bodily integrity is important, it does not preclude parental obligations in certain cases.
Related Concept Videos
00:49What is Genetic Engineering?
Overview
01:16In-vitro Mutagenesis
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
02:46Genetic Screens
Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
01:59CRISPR
Genome editing technologies allow scientists to modify an organism’s DNA via the addition, removal, or rearrangement of genetic material at specific genomic locations. These types of techniques could potentially be used to cure genetic disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. One popular and widely used DNA-editing research tool that could lead to safe and effective cures for genetic disorders is the CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short...
02:30Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
Diploid organisms inherit genetic material through chromosomes from both parents. Copies of the same gene are known as alleles. In most cases, both alleles are simultaneously expressed and allow various cellular processes to function optimally. If one of the alleles is missing or mutated, the expression of the other allele can compensate; however, this is not true for all genes.
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
02:46Genome Copying Errors
DNA replication is a well-evolved process that copies millions of base pairs with high fidelity during each cell division. Occasionally a wrong base or a long stretch of wrong bases may get added to the daughter strands. If the errors are left unchecked, cells might accumulate several mutations that might endanger their survival. Therefore, the copying errors are checked and repaired at three levels.