June 28: OP-ED

Opinion Essay:

Imagine you live in a world where genetic diseases are eliminated, crops are resistant to climate change, and humans can tailor their own genetic makeup. While this might sound like science fiction, advancements in biotechnology and genetic engineering, particularly through tools like CRISPR, are bringing us closer to this reality. However, many people are against advancements in these fields because of the ethical issues that arise, including potential for unequal access to genetic enhancements, the argument that it's ‘dehumanizing’ , etc. Even though the moral dilemmas are important to consider, research and discoveries that come out of these fields of science have a significantly positive impact on many areas of work, including crops/farming and medical fields and help us as humans advance to a more sophisticated society. 

Genetic engineering has propelled many discoveries in the medical field. For example, according to SCISPAGE,  advancements include the development of new diagnostic techniques, drugs, and vaccines for human and animal diseases. Another thing that has been looked into is genetically modified organisms. This is selectively breeding organisms over generations to have specific traits. The method allows scientists to modify animals and crops for research. It’s also been hypothesized that in the near future, genetic therapies could be used to cure certain inherited diseases such as cystic fibrosis and possibly be able to provide treatment for different types of cancers. Could you imagine a world where cancer could be cured? Countless deaths could be saved. How could you argue to stop research in genetic engineering when outcomes like the ones discussed above could appear in the future? 

The medical area is not the only place genetic engineering has had a positive impact- the field of farming has seen significant benefits through research in genetic therapy, such as enhanced nutritional and improved resistance to pests and diseases. As stated in the article written by Nature, reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides effects genetically modified crops by leading to more sustainable farming practices and better health outcomes for farmers. Additionally, these advancements in agricultural biotechnology contribute to greater food security and a reduced environmental impact, making them an important tool in meeting the global food demands of the future. These types of farming strategies could be the key to help solving world hunger, an ongoing issue in our world. To put this in a bigger perspective, so many countries where kids are starving every day would be able to have enough food for everyone, homeless people living in cities could have access to more food, and the benefits go on. 

Even with all the ground-breaking discoveries and research done through genetic engineering/biotechnology, some people may argue that the research and experimenting needs to come to a stop because of ethical issues. For instance, critics may say that in the future, genetic engineering will lead to creating genetically modified organisms. People argue that this would be ‘dehumanizing’ and could lead to harmful outcomes. The concern is valid but the claim to stop research because of this issue is incorrect. Instead of halting progress, we should establish ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure responsible and safe use of these powerful technologies. This way, research could still continue but there would be restrictions to make sure nothing gets out of hand. Another ethical concern that arises with genetically modified crops is that they could harm the environment and cause issues with equal distribution. Again, with proper regulations, this could be handled. GM crops have the potential to positively benefit food security and reduce environmental impact (not increase) by requiring fewer resources, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. 

In conclusion, while the ethical concerns surrounding genetic engineering and biotechnology are valid, halting research in these fields would negatively affect society. With  strict regulations and ethical guidelines in place, the ethical issues can be kept in check.  By continuing to advance genetic engineering, we can work towards a future where diseases are cured, food security is enhanced, and humanity as a whole benefits from these groundbreaking discoveries. It is crucial to balance progress with ethical considerations, ensuring that we move forward in a way that is both innovative.