In order to fully understand this issue, it is important to look at both views in this controversy. One must believe that those who do not know their opponent's arguments do not completely understand their own. For one thing, chronic and fatal diseases can be avoided before they strike. Many lives, as well as medical dollars, could be saved if doctors could identify individuals that have a likelihood of developing heart disease, cancer, and other fatal diseases. Genetic engineering might also be used to correct genetic disorders.
Biotechnology presents the possibility of correcting genetic disorders.
Children with this disease cannot fight off simple infections, and they rarely survive the first two years of life. The condition may be cured by replacing the gene that codes for the deficient protein. Genetic screening can also detect problems during a pregnancy. Discovery of genetic deformities at an early stage of pregnancy introduces the possibility of treating the fetus by replacing or repairing imperfect genes, aborting the fetus, or allowing parents time to plan proper care after birth. Such deformities and birth defects can be controlled with genetic engineering technology.