Should We Edit Humanity Genetically? | It’s A Question Of Balance 5 December 2015

Broadcast on 5 December 2015 on KSCO AM 1080, KSCO 104.1 FM, KOMY AM 1340, and KSCO.com Live Stream.

'It's A Question Of Balance' is a two hour show which balances the intellectual with the creative. The show combines a debate topic with an arts interview because discussion and creativity are two of the most vital ways we engage in the world. 

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Hour 1: Out And About – Conversations with People on the Street about Questions That Matter: Should We Edit Humanity Genetically?

This week we consider ‘Should We Edit Humanity Genetically?’ The Economist states “Being able to read, study, and compare DNA sequence for humans…has become routine”. However, many scientists want a moratorium on editing germ-line cells which give rise to subsequent generations - in other words the manipulation of DNA to manufacture a modified human being. This involves using the DNA of more than two people as is traditionally the case when a baby is conceived. It requires the addition of DNA from one or two additional people. With the motivation of allowing people with genetic diseases to have healthy offspring, this kind of research is already under way in America according to Professor Stuart Newman. Is this kind of science a positive advance to help people who couldn’t otherwise have healthy offspring? Or should genetic editing of humans be avoided? One of the concerns about allowing genetic editing of humans is that it is a slippery slope to eugenics and the impetus to improve society by eliminating undesirable elements or traits, whatever these might be. In the early 20th century America had a eugenics movement which “resulted in the forced sterilization of over 64,000 people in the United States (Lombardo n.d.)….In particular, California’s program was so robust that the Nazis turned to California for advice in perfecting their own efforts” according to Dr Laura Rivard of San Diego University. Are you concerned where genetic modification of humans might lead in terms of who might become considered undesirable? In addition, many scientists consider these genetic modification techniques as radical and untested with the risk of creating embryos that may not be able to survive or if they did survive, human beings who are effectively uncontrolled laboratory experiments. Do the benefits outweigh the risks if we can prevent people being born with severe illnesses?

What do you think? For more info on the show and to hear past shows visit www.itsaquestionofbalance.com