In this blog post, we will examine both the possibilities and the ethical and social issues raised by advances in genetic engineering, and explore whether genetic engineering research should continue in the future.
What possibilities and controversies has genetic engineering brought to humanity?
Advances in genetic engineering are opening up new possibilities for humanity. It is not at all unusual to hear someone say, “I really hope my son gets into the College of Engineering at Seoul National University. And I hope he conducts a lot of outstanding research and becomes a researcher who makes a significant contribution to the advancement of engineering.” While we cannot assume that children are the property of their parents, parents are certainly entitled to harbor such expectations. If “gene enhancement technology” becomes possible with the advancement of genetic engineering, parents may be able to go beyond mere wishes and actually make these expectations a reality. “Gene enhancement,” a category of eugenics, refers to the active and fundamental improvement of a fetus’s health and abilities by replacing specific genes at the embryonic stage. In other words, it means parents can have children with DNA possessing the traits they desire. In addition, genetic engineering technologies such as genetic testing and human cloning—which were once considered the stuff of science fiction—are now being actively researched. Furthermore, these technologies present various possibilities, such as using stem cell technology to create organs that do not trigger a rejection response in the patient’s body, or utilizing DNA information to aid in criminal investigations. However, from an ethical and social perspective, significant controversy remains, and questions are raised as to whether such genetic engineering technologies should continue to advance.
Is gene-enhancement technology ethically justifiable?
First, among gene-enhancement technologies, “germline gene therapy”—which involves replacing specific genes to obtain desired traits—is problematic because it infringes on the rights of unborn children and goes against the natural order. The purpose of gene-enhancement technology is to improve genetic traits. However, there are no objective criteria for determining which genetic traits are superior, and the values society considers important also change with the times. There is a significant time gap between the embryonic stage, when gene enhancement takes place, and the growth period when a child actually demonstrates talent in a specific field or exhibits physical characteristics. Over a period of at least 10 years, society’s standards for what constitutes “superior” traits could well change. Therefore, if gene-enhancement technology were introduced, parents might actually end up endowing their children with genetic traits based on standards that are outdated by the time the children reach adulthood. Even if those genes are still generally considered superior after the child has grown up, it cannot be assumed that they are essential traits for a child who has already formed their own values and is capable of planning their own future. For example, if parents genetically engineer their child to grow tall in accordance with modern aesthetic standards, but the child aspires to become an equestrian—a sport where a smaller build is relatively advantageous—gene-enhancement technology could actually end up limiting the child’s dreams. Ultimately, a living being’s DNA should be determined through natural processes, and all life should have the right to choose an open future.
Another genetic enhancement technology, “somatic cell gene therapy,” which aims to treat diseases, is currently undergoing steady development and is already being used in the treatment of certain conditions. However, the technology is not yet mature enough to be applied safely and effectively to all genetic diseases. It cannot be assumed that health problems will be completely resolved simply by correcting or adding specific genes, and there remain areas where the complex interactions between genes have not been fully elucidated. In the past, there have been reports of unexpected side effects occurring during gene therapy, and these experiences have underscored the importance of safety verification. Therefore, to advance gene therapy technology, thorough research, strict ethical standards, and sufficient clinical validation are absolutely necessary. Furthermore, to improve the quality of life for patients with genetic disorders, efforts must go beyond the development of therapeutic technologies to include improving societal perceptions of disabilities and diseases and establishing social systems free from discrimination. Human dignity must not be compromised simply because a person is unhealthy or has a disability; everyone must be treated with equal respect. Therefore, efforts to address genetic diseases will move in a more desirable direction when technological development is accompanied by social support.
What challenges does genetic testing technology pose?
“Genetic testing,” another genetic engineering technology, also faces technical and ethical challenges. During the research process for this technology, social issues related to egg retrieval and ethical concerns regarding embryo disposal arise. Genetic testing is a technique that involves analyzing the genetic information of multiple embryos created through in vitro fertilization to select embryos suitable for specific conditions. The first issue arises in the process of securing the eggs needed for research. While eggs are a crucial resource for genetic engineering research, they are very limited in supply, and the egg retrieval process can impose physical strain and medical risks on donors. Therefore, as research expands, the demand for eggs is likely to increase, raising concerns about social problems such as commercial transactions targeting economically vulnerable groups or illegal distribution.
The second issue concerns the disposal of unselected embryos. While there are various philosophical and ethical views on the moral status of embryos, the question of when human life begins remains a significant point of social debate. Therefore, the practice of discarding embryos that are not selected following genetic testing also requires careful deliberation that balances the dignity of life with the necessity of research.
In what direction should genetic engineering develop?
Genetic engineering technologies, such as “gene-enhancement technology” and “genetic testing,” have opened up new possibilities for identifying and modifying genetic information in advance. However, the ethical and social issues that may arise during the development and application of these technologies must also be taken into account. As technology advances, bioethics and safety verification are of the utmost importance, and the purpose of research must not undermine human dignity and happiness. While the prevention and treatment of genetic diseases are highly important goals, human rights and social responsibilities must also be respected throughout the process of achieving them.
Furthermore, science and technology should not merely pursue academic progress but should aim to make human lives happier. Therefore, genetic engineering must also consider the resulting social changes and ethical implications, rather than focusing solely on technological advancement itself. Only when research is conducted with sufficient safety verification, social consensus, and established ethical standards can genetic engineering contribute positively to humanity.
