The Benefits of Genetic Modification

           

One of the most intriguing fields of modern science is biotechnology and the genetic modification of animals. It is still a relatively new field, only a few decades along, but it has stirred up plenty of debate and controversy. At the center of these debates is the ethical dilemma of genetic modification of animals, but this issue is multi faceted. First, should animals be used for testing? If animals can feel pain, and taking an animal out of its natural environment to foreign conditions causes distress, is this an ethical practice? Secondly, should we be experimenting with these animals and trying to “create” new variants of an already existing organism? Are we “playing God” by doing this?

            These are all very valid questions that don’t have a clear cut answer, and thus are the reason for the proponents and opponents of genetic modification. However, regardless of what stance one may believe in, one thing is for sure: genetic modification can help, not only humans, but other animals, and thus, nature and the Earth as a whole. The potential implications that genetic modification can have are immense. The field can be extremely beneficial to the world if it were unanimously accepted as an ethical practice that should be allowed to continue.

            If this field of science can be so beneficial, then why is there so much opposition to it? While genetic modification may hurt some animals, it has the potential to help many more. If one believes that those participating in genetic modification are “playing God”, are doctors who save lives doing the same? Because the essential goal of genetic modification is to help humans, as well as other organisms live better lives. As Emily Anthes states in Frankenstein’s Cat: Cuddling Up to Biotech’s Brave New Beasts: “The important thing is that we do not throw the genetically modified baby out with the bathwater. We spend so much time discussing the ethics of using our emerging scientific capabilities that we sometimes forget that NOT using them has ethical implications of its own” (2013). Anthes brings up a very important point. While so much time and effort is spent wondering whether this whole practice is ethical, not enough time is spent wondering how ethical it is to let the endless potential of genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) waste away. There is real benefit that can be had from this field.

            In her book, Anthes also goes on to discuss that the question is not whether or not humans should shape animals’ bodies and lives, but rather how we should. This is because it is downright inevitable that humans affect all other organisms living on Earth. We are the most dominant species by far, and we play a major role in the survival of these other organisms. From one point of view, the only way other organisms can survive in this changing world is if humans help these species evolve or adapt to the changes. When looking at GMO’s from this point of view, the only ethical thing to do is continue work in this field.

            That there is real benefit in GMO’s is the main point in Emily Anthes’ New York Times article Don’t Be Afraid of Genetic Modification. The article, from March of this year, discusses the biotech company AquaBounty’s attempt to introduce AquAdvantage salmon, a genetically modified salmon to the FDA. The salmon would be a cheaper and healthier alternative to normal salmon bought in the market. However, due to political pressure stemming from the public’s perception of GMO’s, AquAdvantage is yet to enter the market. Like this genetically modified salmon, plenty of other projects attempting to create GMO’s, such as bird flu resistant chicken, low pollutant swine, and bird flu resistant birds have all met lots of difficulties, in large part due to opposition stemming from ethical standpoints. Creating bird flu resistant birds not only helps humans (by making it harder to infect chicken that we eat), but also helps birds and other animals survive epidemics that break out. 

            While those having ethical dilemmas when facing GMO’s are coming from a good place, these views must be seriously re-evaluated. There is great human and worldly benefit that can arise from GMO’s. This field of biotechnology has the potential to fight widespread epidemics, help all organisms on Earth survive natural obstacles, and help humans live more comfortably. It is a field whose potential needs to be realized.

Works Cited

Anthes, Emily. "Don't Be Afraid of Genetic Modification." New York Times. New York Times, 9 Mar. 2013. Web. 11 Oct. 13. <http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/10/opinion/sunday/dont-be-afraid-of-genetic-modification.html>.

Anthes, Emily. Frankenstein's Cat: Cuddling up to Biotech's Brave New Beasts. London: Oneworld, 2013. Print.

AquAdvantage Salmon. Digital image. AquaBounty. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013. <http://www.aquabounty.com/images/AquAdvantage%20Salmon.jpg>.

Bird Flu Chickens. Digital image. Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Oct. 2013. <http://i.huffpost.com/gen/237251/thumbs/r-BIRD-FLU-CHICKENS-large570.jpg>.