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Human gene therapy: why draw a line?

W F Anderson1

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.

The Journal of Medicine and Philosophy
|December 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary
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Public unease with somatic cell gene therapy stems from fears of altering human nature, not clinical risks. Ethical boundaries should permit disease correction but prohibit enhancement interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Human Genetics
  • Gene Therapy

Background:

  • Public apprehension exists regarding somatic cell gene therapy, despite ethical consensus on its use for serious diseases.
  • Concerns are primarily driven by the potential for genetic engineering to alter fundamental human nature, rather than clinical safety.
  • This unease highlights a societal tension between therapeutic applications and the broader implications of genetic manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the ethical considerations surrounding somatic cell gene therapy.
  • To differentiate between therapeutic interventions and enhancement applications of gene transfer technology.
  • To establish a moral framework for the responsible use of gene therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Ethical analysis of gene therapy applications.
Keywords:
Analytical ApproachGenetics and Reproduction

Related Experiment Videos

  • Review of public perception and concerns regarding genetic engineering.
  • Philosophical examination of human nature in the context of biotechnological advancements.

    • Main Results:

    • Public discomfort with gene therapy is rooted in fears of unintended consequences on human identity.
    • Clinical risks are secondary to concerns about the potential for misuse and fundamental alterations to human nature.
    • A clear ethical distinction can be drawn between correcting diseases and enhancing human traits.

    Conclusions:

    • Somatic cell gene therapy for serious diseases is ethically justifiable.
    • A moral line should be drawn to exclude enhancement interventions, both somatic and germline.
    • Responsible governance of gene transfer technology is crucial to address public concerns and prevent misuse.