Genetic Engineering and the Law Essay

To on a lower floorstand the ethical implications of transmissible engine room, we must premier understand what genic engineering is. Genes argon units that code for specific characteristics. such(prenominal) characteristics argon hair and eye colour and we inherit these from our p arnts. It is chromosomes in the carrel nuclei than en up to(p) your body to inherit features or, much specifically, it is the DNA that makes up the chromosomes that get ups a unique componenttic code for every gracious being (apart from like twins). It is estimated that the homo body has around 50,000 to 100,000 different genes contained inside, some of which wee been think to certain disorders.Scientists claim to have identified 4,000 conditions that are linked to meet one fault or defect in a persons inheritable makeup, which is where communicable engineering comes in. At present a project is victorious place to pick kayoed the function of every gene in the human body. The Human Gen ome Project aims to uncover the cause for umteen diseases and find a cure for them. One such style, is genetic engineering. Genetic engineering, as a cure for disease, is the removal of a defective gene sequence and the remodelling of it. notwithstanding this isnt the only definition given for genetic engineering.Compassion in World Farming describes it as the taking of genes from one species of plant or animal and inserting them into a completely different species. It is obvious, therefore, that genetic engineering is use for different things, in different situations. In this es range I ordain look at some of the varying uses genetic engineering has in todays world and the ethical implications of such uses. Genetic engineer and the Law At present human cloning is illegal in the UK, although there are many countries were such a law does not exist. And although, technically, it whitethorn be possible to clone humans in the wayanimals have been, the Act of Parliament strictly fo rbids ever doing with human testis what we have done with sheep eggs Dr Ron James Head of PPL Therapeutics. Nor are scientists allowed to deal produce human eggs for in-vitro fertilisation- something that many scientists have been pushing for for years. genetically modified crops are also strictly controlled by the law. Such UK laws accept The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 1992 and The Genetically Modified Organisms (Deliberate Release) Regulations 1992. These laws are in appendix to the standard For Safety Act which specifies that food must be hold out forconsumption. Several government bodies have been set up to task and regulate GM foods including ACNFP, COT, FAC and, the most important, The Department of Environment. The DOE requires tat anyone proposing a release must apply to them for consent rootage. It is then advised by the Advisory Committee on Release to the Environment on the granting of consents. At a European level, the Regulation on Novel Foods and Food Ingredients was introduced in May 1997 and covers labelling of foods no longer equivalent to its conventional counterparts. only despite the introduction of laws, many wad are still unhappy, and are pushing forfurther action. For example the CIWF believe GM meat should be clearly labelled, although they also say it should not be sold in the first place. They see the genetic engineering of farm animals for food as cruel and unnecessary. But the question remains are they right? a couple of(prenominal) people know the implications of genetic engineering and what it real involves and many are ignorant of what to expect from GM. Genetic Engineering and Animals/ Humans Everyone knows the story of the first cloned animal. The Finn Dorset sheep, known as Dolly, was the first new-born mammal to be cloned from adult cells and is a miracle for scientists the world over.She had opened many new windows of opportunity for scientists who hope to currently be able to clon e humans apply the same technology. The possibilities really are endless. A single cell from an elite racehorse could be used to create hundreds of identical copies, each with the same elite genetic makeup. However pleasing this heady new discovery is, there is a widespread argument over whether or not cloning is right. Is it apparently a wonderful new way to bewilder a extension of disease-free animals and humans or is it tampering with nature and playing God? many another(prenominal) people see it as the answer to all problems, that screening privy reveal vital information about a persons life span and health future. Genetic engineering could, in theory, identify genetic defects early on, giving time to replace the faulty gene and cure the sufferer. Predicting disease is a major use for genetic engineering and one that could change the way we live forever. At present scientist are working on a genetic test known as the GeneChip. They claim in a few years doctors will be able to take a simple mouth swab and, using the GeneChip, look through your DNA for disease prospects.Although they have come under fire from their critics, geneticists argue that anyone is entitled to know what their future holds for the health-wise. Indeed they say the information can be vital for planning out the take a breather of your life if, for example, you are a woman with a likelihood to develop breast cancer. Pre-natal diagnosis is also another option that could soon be open to the public. Parents could be made aware of any flaws there whitethorn be in their childs DNA and could decide whether or not to carry on with the pregnancy. Genetic engineering could also be used to grow substances like human insulin and growth hormone on a huge level.Currently scientists are looking at introducing blood-clotting genes for haemophiliacs and purging milk from GM sheep for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. They are also hoping to canvas presently incurable diseases in the hope they m ight be able to introduce a cure using genetic engineering. There are also high hopes for animals in genetic engineering. Transgenic animals (or those that have been given a gene from another animal) have many uses. They can produce more meat and milk, feeding the starving, and they can grow faster, with the possibility of less fertile meat. They can be bred to resist disease, but also develop disease so they might be tested on for further research. A biotechnology firm in Cambridge is working on a transgensic blur that could be bred to grow desperately needed organs for transplant into human beings.The technique can also be used to knock out genes, deleting proteins so that they might prevent BSE in cows. But it isnt all good news for genetic engineering, in fact there is a lengthy and strong argument as to why it is austere to go to take it to these levels. Many have disagreed with the predicting of disease, saying that many people may not be able to cope with the knowledge tha t they may contract a terminal disease- it could ruin lives.Also there has been widespread outcry over the Association of Insurance Brokers announcement that it will not offer life insurance over i 100,100 to anyone who had taken a genetic test that had predicted fatal disease and since 1995 there has been pressure form MPs to develop a code of practise concerning genetic screening. There are also fears of employers discriminating against potential drop employees who have the potential for life threatening illness in later life. Although scientists hope genetic engineering will provide many choices for parents, the BMA has voiced its concerns that the industry will cause selective breeding or the choice to abort a baby because of undesirable characteristics such as physical traits.The BMA have also said people have been mislead about the situation to screen for later abnormalities. It says The number of abnormalities which can be detected in this way is limited and few of the tes ts are conclusive. The problem many people have with genetic engineering is the risk of error that is involved. back is complex and it is difficult to be precise every time. Faulty diagnosis could put an end to job prospects or insurance benefits, not to key the psychological problems arising from finding out you have the potential to contract a fatal disease.