Since man discovered’ DNA and the role it takes in who we are and who we become, there has been controversy over what to do with it and how far to take it. Many DNA breakthroughs have been beneficial for mankind. Because of research with these building blocks, we know more about how and why we inherit certain characteristics, which genes may cause certain disorders, and how to use DNA’s uniqueness to convict criminals and identify bodies. We have learned more in the last century, faster, than in all the centuries before this one. Knowledge has exploded and with it new moral dilemmas that have never been faced before.
On the surface, and certainly in some cases, breakthroughs in DNA research have certainly led to a lot of good in the world. DNA research has helped us find and treat various diseases as well as a host of other benefits. Along with all the good, however, comes moral dilemmas and dissonant dialogue. This research brings questions we must find answers for before continuing with some kinds of research.
Below the surface, the blessings of DNA research have yet to be tried. They have not been around long enough to show whether there will be drawbacks or problems later. Some problems inherent in DNA research include the following questions:
1. Should we clone other human beings?
2. Should we use DNA testing to allow women to abort babies with potential genetic disorders?
3. Should we use stem-cells from aborted fetuses/babies for research?
As DNA research and more breakthroughs continue, these questions will be joined by many more, and the debate will heat up. This is how DNA research breakthroughs can be harmful. They give us decisions that may not have clear moral right/wrong boundaries, at least as seen by some. They keep us messing with’ the very building blocks of our bodies and all things. Some see this as something that we should not do. DNA research breakthroughs also lead to a debate over whether the good it can do in the end justifies any means of getting there. For some of us, the end never justifies the means when the means are immoral or dishonest or harmful. But as we continue to do this research, we will continue to have this debate.
In reality, the jury is still out. What seems like a blessing now, may well turn out to have a down-side in the future. In the end, I believe the researching and breakthroughs will continue, some for good, and some maybe not so good. Only time will tell.
