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This article was submitted to ELSI in Science and Genetics, a section of the journal Frontiers in Genetics
The new reproductive technologies have opened the door to different processes of
germline genetic enhancement by which the characteristics of an individual according
to the interests of the agents involved could be selected during its gestation. Although
the initiative is apparently oriented towards developing individuals that would excel in
society, critical voices raise the concerns about that this approach would generate and
need for a reflection on the ethical, social and legal implications of these techniques and
their implementation in society. We reviewed the literature about these issues throughout
their historical records to date, focusing on the moral arguments and non-clinical
aspects that affect the legal and social environment. We have observed various trends of
thought with divergent positions (proactive, preventive, and regulatory) as well as a large
number of articles that try to reconcile the different approaches. This review illustrates
a series of concepts from the ethics and philosophy fields which are frequently used
in studies that evaluate the ethical implications of germline genetic enhancement, such
as dignity, benefit, autonomy, and identity. In addition, amongst the many unresolved
controversies surrounding genetic enhancement, we identify procreative beneficence,
genetic disassociation, gender selection, the value of disability, embryo chimerization,
and the psychosocial inequality of potentially enhanced individuals as crucial. We also
develop possible scenarios for future debate. We consider especially important the
definition and specification of three aspects which are essential for the deployment of new
reproductive technologies: the moral status of the embryo undergoing enhancement, the
legal status of the enhanced individual, and the responsibility of the agents executing the
enhancement. Finally, we propose the precautionary principle as a means to navigate
ethical uncertainties. |
