Time for ethical debate on genetics

TV actress Sofia Vergara is facing a bizarre lawsuit where her own frozen embryos are suing her. The suit alleges that not allowing the embryos to be born is “depriving them of their inheritance”.

We have reached a critical point in our history. We have become capable of manipulating genes. We can, with all the right ingredients, concoct genetic soup. As genetic links become clearer, we will be able to foresee who will be prone to alcoholism, to cancer, even to obesity.

We are now experimentally treating diseases like cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy with gene therapy. When we succeed, what next? At what price? Imagine cloned versions of our politicians? Our worst nightmare. The genetic revolution will move forward regardless of our readiness, or where humanity is heading.

This raises both moral and practical questions, along with deeper consequences for the individual and society. When does life begin and end? There is no ultimate answer.

A question arises: what is the impact on society? Are we wise enough to restrain the power to alter life? What ethical system should we use? And who, in the end, will make those decisions? Will we be left with no choice? If one can imagine this future, is this a slippery slope?

Should doctors decide which are good genes and which are bad? Will genetic enhancement be as socially acceptable as plastic surgery? The stakes are high and no critic can stop this revolution. What kind of inheritance will we leave for the future? That may be for them to referee, but it is for us to establish at this time. Anthony Woods, Ennis, Co Clare