The Goal: Genetically Engineering Organisms: Is it fair?- Moral and Ethical Implications ; Pros and Cons

Before we continue any further, let's answer a question about the reasons behind genetic engineering. Forgive us if we get a little...uhh... philosophical (or insane) in this post.

As we know, genetic engineering is when genes and segments of DNA from a cell's chromosomes, the holding place for all genetic and hereditary material, are manipulated for desired effects. When scientists first began working on genetically modifying organisms, they sought to reach a point where it would be possible to develop a slew of "made-to-order" organisms, specialized for particular purposes. Obviously, we still have not reached this point, but perhaps some day in the future, this dream will be realized. Still, even with all the progress science has made in this field, the question remains:
Why is Genetic Engineering Necessary?
Let's attempt to offer a balanced view on this puzzling question, with a collection of pros and cons. *Takes a deep breath*
Pros (Advantages):

• Genetic engineering makes it possible to understand the functions of genes, how genetic mutations and diseases occur, and helps us learn how to treat them, in order to protect further generations.
• Genetically modified, therapeutic medicines can greatly increase immunity to lethal diseases and even cure others. Gene therapy may also be used to heal hereditary or genetic diseases, such as blindness. Modified white blood cells can be used to fight cancerous tumors created by abnormal cells or anomalies in genetic code.
  
• New, quick- growing, cheap, easily renewable and nutritious crops could be engineered as a viable alternative to current foods.
• Genetic modification of mammals may make it possible to create very human-like organs within them. This would greatly reduce the number of donated organs available for transplants in humans. By process of xenotransplantation, the transgenic organs could be transferred to a human who requires them to survive.
  
• Genetic engineering can be used to save species on the brink of extinction. For example, in China, researchers are working on a way to save the Panda.
• Forests can be modified to clean environments, grow larger, and produce more oxygen. GE trees are also being looked at as a possible source for future environmentally- friendly biofeuls.
  
• Genetic engineering can make a wide array of useful antibiotics to deal with illnesses.
  
• Provide those living in third world countries, deprived of resources, with more nutritious and abundant sources of food.
• Genetic engineering can be used to synthesize artificial hormones needed for life, that some patients may be missing.
  

Cons (Disadvantages):

• Many believe that humans do not have the right to experiment on other organisms. All living things have rights, and genetic modification infringes upon these rights.
• Some organisms and embryos are produced simply to harvest one desired gene and discard the remainder of the organic material. This is a blatant disregard for the value of life.
  
• When humans genetically alter organisms, they are "playing God". Many people opposed to genetic engineering believe that only nature should regulate an organism' s evolution, certainly not humans.
• Genetically modified organisms which possess better traits for survival in an environment than their non-modified counterparts will encroach upon the territories of organisms already living there and "choke them out" until the original species ceases to exist. This is similar to introducing an exotic species into a foreign ecosystem where they can thrive. They will usually damage the fragile ecosystem.
  
• Because genetic engineering crosses the "species barrier", some of the modifications made to an organism could be potentially harmful and irreversible. Even worse, it may take years to detect any problems.
  
• As a relatively new technology, there are still many things to be learned about genetic engineering. There are currently no ways of controlling the amount of gene copies placed in a host organism or knowing where the genome will end up. This could lead to some dangerous results.
• Genetically modified organisms may accidentally "silence" an important gene because of the introduction of a new one. This has many unhealthy, adverse effects.
  
• Genetically modified crops tend to have major failures. Because all of the seeds of these crops share the same genetic structure, a virus or fungus that negatively affects one will negatively affect all others.
• Genetic engineering can cause unexpected mutations in organisms and high levels of toxicity in plants. It can also create unforeseen allergens, which could affect many humans, and virtually irreversible damage to ecology (mostly because of gene pollution).
  

Some Questions to Consider:
Only you know the answer to these questions. What is your personal opinion?

- Is the genetic manipulation of animals and plants always morally wrong or are their exceptions?
- Should animal's organs be modified to prevent tissue rejection when transplanted into humans?
- Is is fair to use an animals organs to supply humans?
-Are animal rights the same as human rights?
-How dangerous is it to release genetically modified organisms who have not been properly researched into the biosphere?
-Should humans be able to patent a new genetically modified plant or animal?
-Is genetic engineering research today focused too much on making a profit and not enough on solving problems in nature?

Formally, no countries have completely banned genetic engineering within their borders. However, there are currently many organizations seeking to pass legislation to outlaw genetically modified foods and the genetic engineering of biological organisms and weapons.

Numerous religious, personal, and human factors affect our beliefs on the morality of genetic engineering.

Those who genetically engineer organisms choose desired traits which they believe will be beneficial, but who is to decide which traits take precedent over others? Does the entire process of genetic engineering undermine the value of life? If scientists abandon their morals, they are nothing more than mindless automatons, completing the tasks assigned to them.

And my final question: If the animals were on the other side of the fork, would they care about our rights?

Here's a video that outlines the ethical concerns surrounding genetic engineering. It's somewhat long winded, but very informative:
Ethical Concerns With Genetic Engineering




Also, here's another animation to help you further understand the topic of gene cloning. Enjoy!