Genetic enhancements are a topic of discussion that presents itself with many pros, but just like with anything that could be extremely beneficial to the mankind, there are an equal number of issues which present itself as well.

Genetic enhancements share a goal of aiming to enhance, or expand, the physical, intellectual, psychological, or moral attributes, beyond their usual capacity. [1]

In the adoption of genetic enhancements, a period of historic innovations could be taken place. "Human genetic enhancement refers particularly to the use of genetic engineering such as germ line gene transfer to achieve such purposes" 

Major scientific, and technological, advancements have made it possible to discuss ideas such as the production of offspring that are without diseases, which also presents its own set of ethical issues. The likely requests for genetic mitigation don’t just cease at the treatment, and prevention, of human diseases. The deliberate adjustment of the human genes, to better individuals, such as genetic enhancements, clearly presents itself with various sets of ethical issues. [2]

Ethical Issues for Society

The subject of genetic enhancement presents a good number of ethical issues that society must consider, as this subject grows. 

A major ethical issue which presents itself with genetic enhancement is that currently health is defined as functioning normal, and if the definition of normal functioning is continually being updated, with a new subset of enhanced children, then the definition of health will need to be modified. If the development of genetic enhancements evolves fast enough, then predictions show that children will become obsolete at birth. Even with a more calculated approach being taken towards modifications, with individuals only becoming obsolete in their early adulthood, there's still going to be an issue of keeping health and "normal functioning" as fixed concepts. [3]

According to L. Glenn, there are several ethical issues that present itself, upon embracing the evolution of genetic enhancements, which include social, extrinsic, and intrinsic concerns.

Social Concerns

• - The population who has access to genetic advancement technology must be specified, and medical advances and treatments must be allocated appropriately.
• - If animal and human DNA, both intentional and non-intentional, contain the intelligence or sentiments that weren't seen in nonhuman animals, should these entities be granted rights and particular protection?

Extrinsic Concerns

• - What health risks present itself with genetically modified food?
• - What long term effects present itself to the environment when these genetically modified specimens are put into the environment?
• - What limits should be put on genetic research?

Intrinsic Concerns

• - Fundamental issues that present itself with creating new species.
• - Will these genetic interventions change what it means to be considered normal?
• - What genetic research should be considered impermissible and banned?

 [4]

How do you all feel about genetic enhancements?

Should there be major concerns about what these enhancements could potentially lead to? Or should be more accepting to these genetic enhancements?

[1] Isa, N. M. & Shuri, M. F. H. S. (2018). Ethical concerns about human genetic enhancement in 

the malay science fiction novels. Science and Engineering Ethics, 24, 109-127. 

doi:10.1007/s11948-017-9887-1

[2] Friedmann, T. (2019). Genetic therapies, human genetic enhancement, and eugenics? Gene 

Therapy, 26(9), 351-353.

doi:10.1038/s41434-019-0088-1

[3] Wadden, J. J. (2019). Yesterday's child, tomorrow's therapy patient: what are the roles of health 

and normalcy in genetic enhancement? 

The American Journal of Bioethics, 19(7), 43-45. doi:10.1080/15265161.2019.1618954

[4] Glenn, L. M. (2013). Ethical issues in genetic engineering and transgenics. Action Bioscience. 

Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311993919_Glenn_Linda_MacDonald_Ethical_issues_in_genetic_engineering_and_transgenics