Genetic Diseases: Predispositions and Predestination

Some genetic diseases are a nuisance to live with, but manageable. Eczema can be uncomfortable and painful at times, and even though there’s no cure there are topical treatments available to relieve the symptoms. Other genetic diseases can be prevented from developing as long as proper measures are taken. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a condition in which people can’t eat things that have phenylalanine in them, which is related to foods with protein. Having a low-phenylalanine diet can largely prevent mental retardation and brain damage from developing. Then there are other diseases that are terminal and fatal. Cystic fibrosis (CF), a disease that clogs the lungs and digestive system usually results in death at a young age. Genetic diseases can be controversial because they bring up many ethical issues. For one, should fetuses that are genetically destined to develop a fatal disease be given the chance to live? Some would see abortion as merciful, and others would see it as murder. This leads to the issue of stem cell research. Stem cell research could potentially prevent genetic diseases, but some see this as killing human life. It’s difficult to determine whether a fetus counts as a human life. On one hand, a fetus is not equivalent to a human being, but on the other hand it grows up to be one. The possibility of curing or preventing genetic diseases brings us to another issue—the future of genetic engineering. It seems like a good idea to rid the human race of any affliction. But if we get to the point where we can alter our genetic predispositions to disease, what’s to stop us from changing other features like talent and physical attractiveness? There could be a slippery slope from genetically engineering your health down to genetically engineering who you are. There’s something ethical about preventing genetic diseases, yet there might be something unethical about the predestination of human life in general. Part of human life is the power (or illusion) of choice, and changing our genetics takes that away, even if it’s for a good cause. There aren’t any clear answers to these ethical concerns, but the fact remains that we try to fight against disease and science will continue to find better ways to do so, and the consequences of these developments are yet to be determined.