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9.6 Option – Biotechnology: 7. Ethical issues
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7. Ethical issues related to
biotechnology are considered in decision-making
processes
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Students learn to:
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Students: |
Extract from Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (Amended October 2002). © Board of Studies, NSW.
Prior learning: Stage 4-5, 4.8.4(a) and (b), 5.8.3(a).
H.S.C. module 9.3 Blueprint of Life (subsection 5).
Background: The use of DNA technology is moving forward faster than any other area of biology. In many ways it can be said that the science in this area is moving forward faster than the moral or legal parts. Most people are horrified by the site of a human ear growing on the back of a mouse. So there needs to be some ethical decisions to reflect the different views of groups within the society of humans.
use available evidence to identify and discuss ethical and social issues associated with the use of biotechnology
Ethical and social issues can be discussed by looking at different issues such as:
- economic and qualitative considerations
The benefits from the use of the technology should not be just economic but should include a better quality of life in terms of health and a cleaner environment.
- openness
The use of biotechnology should be open and different viewpoints should be respected.
- self-determination, dignity, integrity and vulnerability
Self-determination of humans must be allowed to occur and the dignity and integrity of the whole of society and the environment should be maintained.
- just distribution of benefits and burdens
The benefits and disadvantages are distributed fairly between different groups in society and are not just a benefit to one group while disadvantaging another. This includes present and future generations.
Ethical issues are discussed widely on the Internet. The following sites are good starting points.
Ethics: A tool for making the right decisions on technology Ethical issues in biotechnology
Genethik, Germany
Could pig to human transplants revolutionize medicine? A report on the promises, risks and controversy
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explain why different groups in society may have different views about the use of DNA technology
- In any area where there are ethical issues involved there are as many different points of view as there are people to have them.
- Different groups of people have different viewpoints because of their cultural background and their previous experiences. For example if you have a child with a disease that may result in the death of the child unless DNA technology is used you will have a different attitude to a family who has never experienced this situation.
- For some in big business the driving force is to make money to satisfy their shareholders. However shareholders are people who often are concerned about ethical issues so even satisfying the shareholders isn’t straightforward.
- Other groups, such as animal liberationists, are against the use of animals in biotechnology without considering the benefits that come from such research as they consider that the welfare of the animal is paramount.
- In between there is a vast array of differing ideas concerning the use of biotechnology. Some of these views are based on incorrect knowledge or fear but others have those views because they have knowledge that the ordinary consumer does not, eg they have seen a research laboratory where animals are not looked after adequately.
- It is important that these issues are debated in an objective and fair way with different points of view being able to be expressed.
identify and evaluate ethical issues related to one of the following:
- development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
- animal cloning
- gene cloning
Development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Many genetically modified organisms are designed to be food for human consumption. The evaluation of the ethical issues can be decided on the arguments for and against the issues.
Some arguments for:
- Greater production of food especially for developing countries would allow these countries to produce enough food for their population.
- Not just the quantity of the food but also better quality foods are produced.
- Less chemicals on crops is better for the environment so for example if cotton can be bred that needs fewer sprays it saves money and prevents the spray drifting into the neighbouring bushland.
- Vaccines can be produced in plants for better human health outcomes.
- Produce may reach the consumer in better condition with less spoilage.
Arguments against:
- The transgene in the products may cause allergic reactions in people.
- Genetically identical plants and animals leads to a loss of biodiversity.
- There has not been enough research on the effect of inserting a gene from one species to another.
- The new species may escape into the wild populations and super weeds could be formed by the cross-fertilisation of wild species and transgenic species.
- Even one gene could causes major changes in an organism.
- Business has control of the products being produced and their motive is profit , which may not be in the best interest of poor farmers.
- Genetic change in a species is increased.
Use the information above to evaluate the issue of GMOs and decide in your own opinion whether the use of GMOs should be allowed.
Some good starting points can be found on the following webpages:
- Ethics of
Biotechnology Biotechnology Online, CSIRO
- Genetically modified foods and organisms Human genome
project
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