Should Scientists Be Allowed to Perform DNA Tests on...

The study of the DNA of human embryos was possible at the time when in vitro fertilization began to be practiced. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process of forming a human embryo outside the womb. The process involves extracting several eggs from a woman’s body and then fertilizing them in a laboratory. A couple days after fertilization, genetic tests can be applied on a cell that is removed from the embryo. The DNA testing process is called preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and usually triggers the diagnosis of the embryos with genetic abnormalities but can also identify other genetic traits of the future progenitor such as sex, athletic ability, special talent, and certain physical appearance. The researchers produced the†¦show more content†¦The embryos considered questionable are being discarded; this act is being criticized as an act of abortion (Hudson 106-107). However, Caplan argues: â€Å"When you destroy a fetus in an abortion, its because you dont want to have a baby. When you make a lot of embryos, its because you are desperately trying to have a baby† (qtd. in Williams 100). Therefore, creating multiple embryos can be deemed pro-life. Another issue regarding DNA testing of embryos is the possible societal discrimination of disabled people, women, and familial discrimination based on child preference. Disabled people can be stigmatized in society. For example, people with conditions that are not life-threatening, such as Downs syndrome, can be categorized as unworthy of life. However, Gregor Wolbring, a bioethicist at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada replies, If there was nothing wrong with Downs syndrome or disabilities, there would be no need for PGD (qtd. inGenetic Testing.). In addition, an eventual discrimination for women can occur in such countries as China and India, known through history for their preference for a male child. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis can denigrate the families’ integrity because parents may show more affection towards the children selected genetically than thoseShow MoreRelatedPreimplantation Embryo Genetic Modification Should Be Legal1753 Words   |  8 Pages Preimplantation embryo Genetic Modification should be legal for medical purposes because it was proven safer than other forms of genetic modification in other countries. According to the National Institute of Health, PGM is legal in the United Kingdom for research purposes only. However, it is illegal to implant the embryos into a woman for further development or gestation. In the United States, it is not legal to perform such research because of ethical concerns (NIH). Some argue that it is notRead MoreGenetic Engineering : The Field Of Biomedical Research1710 Words   |  7 Pagesexperimental practice used in the world of biomedical research. This practice refers to humans modifying an animals’ genetic component in order to express a particular trait (Dale et al). The scientific community calls the animals produced by this practice as transgenic animals in order to distinguish between its wild type relative. This innovative technology paved ways for medical breakthroughs, along with the expansion of human understanding towards the mechanisms of prevalent diseases. As a result, researchRead MoreCell Biology Final Essay30093 Words   |  121 PagesName: _Leroy Johnson __________________________________ Date: ______________Comprehensive Study Guide. Test will only be Multiple choice 1. The feature that most clearly separates eukaryotes from prokaryotes is the presence of _______ in eukaryotic cells. A) ribosomes B) oxidative phosphorylation C) DNA molecules -D) a nucleus 2. Cytoplasmic organelles are - A) absent in prokaryotic cells; present in eukaryotic cells. B) present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells