The Devastating Consequences of Genetic Engineering

The devastating effects of genetic engineering may result in the extinction of human beings. Genetic engineering is progressing at an astounding rate as the advancement of science of technology takes place. This sick experimentation raises many questions around the world. Many people wonder if genetic engineering could create huge social gaps among people, separating an elite society from the underdogs. We also wonder if the genetic changes in our food supply could result in disease or famine, leading to extinction. These are serious questions! Scientists are now able to manipulate and modify the molecular structure of plants, clone animals, and manipulate genes. The fact that people in power are able to do this doesn't necessarily mean that they should. This power could quickly spiral out of control because it is an unnatural experimentation and human beings should not have the authority to play God. Altering the genetic structure of people destroys everything that makes us human. Part of what makes us who we are is our flaws and if we strive to perfect those flaws, there could be serious consequences.

One of the major consequences that could result from human genetic engineering is mistakes which cannot be corrected. If a human being is changed in an effort to perfect something this could actually back fire and cause another unknown genetic mutation. When changes are made and then passed on to other generations, many people could die. This has been clearly seen when cloning takes place. For example, when the first sheep was cloned she died shortly after. Could the result of genetic manipulation of human genes or cloning humans result in death of future generations? Could the womb simply dry up, and make it impossible for future generations that are genetically altered to reproduce? We just don't know what could happen. We do know that science has failed many times when powerful scientists try to play God and do things which are unethical. The fact that something could happen should be enough to convince these mad scientists to stop what they are doing and leave nature the way God intended. According to Susan C. Phillips, "Are these people defying nature, or simply obeying one of its basic laws, when they enlist medical technology to aid the reproductive process?"

Furthermore, the changes caused by genetic engineering to our food supply also contribute to a possible catastrophe. Natural eco-systems within our environment are threatened when genetically engineered trees, food and plants spread throughout our world. According to Susan C. Phillips, "the science of moving pieces of DNA from one organism to another, is a high-profile component of the high-stakes world of biotechnology." Studies have already confirmed that genetically modified soybeans are carcinogenic. A carcinogen is a substance which is known to cause cancer in some people. There are many carcinogens already in our environment and changing the structure of food, just adds to the mess, killing off more people. Cancer is rapidly becoming an epidemic. According to the National Cancer Institute, 1 in every 3 people will die of some type of cancer. Genetic engineering can only add to this problem, rather than correct it.

In addition if scientists were able to genetically modify human beings to a point where they were able to create an elite race of people, this could have social consequences. For instance, the elite society could separate them selves from the rest of the world. Discrimination could happen more rapidly in the workforce, especially in regard to jobs that involve a lot of physical activity or agility. The elite people would rise up against all the natural born human beings and cause oppression or slavery. They would seek to control these people. Human beings would no longer band together and true character would be lost because everyone would only be seeking perfection. According to, David Masci, "there is also concern that genetically endowing children with selected traits will create a social divide between those who can and cannot afford the procedure."

The moral of the story is that we should remember to use ethics and good judgment, especially when it comes to the advancement of science and technology. Genetic engineering can have devastating consequences, resulting in famine, death, and social discrimination. The great power that we have could be the death of all of us if it goes to far.We have a huge responsibility on our shoulders and just because we have the knowledge to change something, with genetic engineering doesn't necessarily mean that we should.

Works Cited

Masci, D. (2001, May 18). Designer humans. CQ Researcher, 11, 425-440. Retrieved November 24, 2008, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2001051800.

Phillips, S. C. (1994, August 5). Genetically engineered foods. CQ Researcher, 4, 673-696. Retrieved December 3, 2008, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre1994080500.

Phillips, S. C. (1994, April 8). Reproductive ethics. CQ Researcher, 4, 289-312. Retrieved December 3, 2008, from CQ Researcher Online, http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre1994040800.