Ethical Controversies Involved in the Use of Germ-line and Somatic Gene

Ethical Controversies Involved in the Use of Germ-line and Somatic Gene TherapiesAbstract in that location are many sides to the issue of using germ-line and material germ therapies.Many people argue that it should be stopped completely, whereas others arguethat both germ therapies should compensate for the benefit of all people. There areother arguments that lie somewhere in between. Most of the controversy is causedby germ-line gene therapy because it can be passed on through generations. Somaticgene therapy has more support and funding but is still considered untrustworthy bymany who believe it may also uphold the germ-line in some cases. These moralarguments have called the stop to many cases and experiments, more so after apatient treated with gene therapy dies.In the current fight for the elimination or continuation of gene therapy, there are four main positions (Sadler et al., 2005). One position is to bring an end to both germ-line and somatic gene therapy practices. This group argues that using gene therapy on humans is dangerous and that changing genes to attempt to make improvements is wrong. It is seen as creating the possibility to design children before support and change mental and physical characteristics of the next generation, bringing an end to diversity (Sadler et al., 2005). In 2000, the American Association for the Advancement of comprehension banned inheritable inherited modification (Fischer, 2000). They believed that risks from the gene therapy procedures might not cause genetic problems for a few generations after the patient is treated. The AAAS suggested that trials and experiments with gene therapy be stopped.Another position in the gene therapy ethical argument is to proceed with all gene therapy... ...rapy investigations proliferate. Nature Medicine On-line serial. Vol. 6. Retreived July 21, 2005 from the Internet http//www.nature.com/nm/journal/v6/n3/full/nm0300_235a.htmlNowak, R. (1995, March). Patent award stirs controv ersy. Science On-line serial. Vol. 267. Retreived July 21, 2005 from the Internet http//web5.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/184/377/69240368w5/purl=rcl_EAIM_0Sadler, T. & Zeidler, D. (2005). Negotiating Gene Therapy Controversies. The American Biology Teacher On-line serial. Vol. 66. Retreived July 21, 2005 from the Internet http//www.bioone.org/bioone/?request=get-document&issn=0002-7685&volume-66&paShannon, T. (1999, March). Ethical issues in genetics. Theological Studies On-line studies. Vol. 60. Retrieved July 21, 2005 from the Internet http//web5.infotrac.galegroup.com/itw/infomark/184/377/69240368w5/purl=rcl_EAIM_0