Free Scientists Ought To Stop Research On The Modification Of The Same-Attraction Gene Essay Sample

Human knowledge on genetics has increased in the past few decades. As a matter of fact, research aimed at identifying specific genes that may cause different conditions has increased rapidly. The identification of the gene associated with attractions to same sex has also been a concern to scientist. One wonders whether, the attempt to seek to modify the genetics make up is ethical especially on homosexuality since there are many stereotypes associated with homosexuality. It is evident that, in as much as there are positive impacts in science, it is not right for the scientist to continue with the research aimed and eliminating same sex attractions as it comes with numerous drawbacks that outweigh its benefits.
First, Rebecca Dresser (2004) noted that even with the numerous animal trials with genetic modifications, there has never been enough evidence on the safety and efficacy of somatic cell intervention that can gain clinical uses. It is evident therefore, even when the scientist are attempting to come up with means to modify the genetic makeup of children, the research is still in its early stages making it not only dangerous to try on humans, but also immoral. The case would be worse if such researches are associated with a case marred with a lot of stereotypes, such as homosexuality.
It is easy for one to note that it would be double tragedy for the scientist to continue with their studies in the identification of genes that cause homosexuality with an aim of modifying it. Imagine parent who is informed that her child is prone to homosexuality by virtue of the genes from either parent. Such would cause anxiety and possibly may hurt the egos of the parents especially if they are conservatists. Why would one want to change a condition that has no medical reason? To do so is to limit the right of the unborn child by forcing the child to have a sexual orientation that is not natural to him or her. In this respect, the whole process is immoral. Moreover, the process may lead to the termination the life of the embryo.
Moreover, Isasi, Nguyen, and Knoppers (2006) found that the world has not yet developed policies on gene modifications. Out of the 16 countries they surveyed, they found that majority of the countries did not have specific or explicit policies regarding gene therapy. All research is government by the basic research policies on humans regardless of the ethical implication brought about by gene modification. There been no explicit policies on the regulations of gene therapy, it is by implication that there are no regulations on the research and modification of the genes containing same-sex attractions. In this case, if the scientist continues with their research, they would not only be operating on implied laws and polices, but would also be potentially hurting the homosexual individuals.
It is clear that homosexuality is not a disorder or a sickness that one may want to change. If the scientific seeks to modify the gay-gene in the embryo, it would mean that they do not want gay people and lesbian to exist. Such, although may be debatable, is a potential conflict of interests. In fact, doing so is continuation of the stereotypes that gays are facing and hence ought to not be tolerated in the society, thus, eliminating them through gene modifications is right. Such as is wrong. The current stereotypes are misinformed and are mainly held by those who believe that there is no need of change in the society.
In conclusion, it is evident that the attempt to modify the genetic makeup of individuals with the aim of removing the homosexual genes is an idea whose time has not come. It is risky, with no laws and policies, and discriminatory towards gays. Therefore, there is no need, at least for the scientists to continue with their studied.

References

Isasi R. M., Nguyen T. M., and Knoppers B. M. (2006). NATIONAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS REGARDING HUMAN GENETIC MODIFICATION TECHNOLOGIES (Somatic and Germline Modification). Retrieved on March 2, 2015 from http://www.dnapolicy.org/pdf/geneticModification.pdf
Rebecca Dresser (2004). Genetic Modification of Preimplantation Embryos: Toward Adequate Human Research Policies. Retrieved on March 2, 2015 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2690208/