These games may be fun for bioethicists, philosophers, theologians and science fiction writers inclined, but they are not the basis for sound public policy decision making. The Case Against Genetically Modified Humans Marcy Darnovsky, Ph.D. Many people are reluctant to oppose human germline engineering because they believe that 'genetics' will deliver medical cures or treatments. But there is no reason that we cannot forgo germline engineering and still support other genetic technologies that do in fact hold promising medical potential. In fact, the medical justifications for human germline engineering are strained, while its ethical and political risks are profound. The debates are raging.
Many people are confused about what stem cell research really is, and wonder why all the fuss.
The technical ability to genetically modify the human species is advancing rapidly, and could easily outstrip societal wisdom and oversight capabilities. In this article, Richard Hayes offers a superb introduction to the science and politics of human genetic engineering. He concludes with action steps we must take to prevent dangerously irresponsible applications of the emerging human biotechnological know-how. Both of these variations are based on what is a strictly scientific question, since we are referring to the proper academic discipline required to be used in identifying the beginning of the physical biological aspect of a human being. Rather, I base my comments on the objective scientific facts of human embryology.