Diocesan Resources
Genetic Enhancement: Custom Kids and Chimeras by Marilyn E. Coors, Ph.D. (2005)
Respect Life Pamphlet
Genetic Enhancement: Custom Kids and Chimeras by Marilyn E. Coors, Ph.D. (2005)
Genetic enhancement has emerged as an ethical issue because it involves the power to redesign ourselves, including the potential to impact the very essence of what it means to be human. It presents a choice requiring the wisdom to discern when to say “yes” or “no” to this powerful new technology, and the humility to know what is beyond the limits of our understanding to evaluate or judge.
Let us take a step back and define genetic enhancement. The possible uses of genetic technology are sometimes divided according to purpose: enhancement or therapy. Genetic enhancement means altering genes to improve human traits or characteristics beyond what is considered “normal” for humans, that is, different from naturally occurring genomes (all the DNA of an organism). In contrast, genetic therapy means altering genes that have harmful mutations in order to prevent or cure diseases. Most agree that a genetic change that reduces the occurrence of devastating disease is good, when it is done morally.
It is theoretically possible that genetic enhancement could be truly beneficial for individuals and society and, at the same time, respect the origins of life and the integrity of the human person as a unity of body and soul. The present state of the scientific process does not meet those requirements, however. For these reasons genetic enhancement of human embryos is immoral under Catholic teaching. Our abbreviated ethical analysis also raises issues of respect for life, justice, and safety that call into question the ability of humanity to use this potent technology to benefit humankind. Our impending power to alter our genetic heritage, coupled with a limited ability to predict the consequences of those alterations, cries out for a cautious and humble approach.
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Marilyn Coors, Ph.D. is assistant professor in psychiatry and assistant professor of bioethics, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. She serves on the boards of numerous committees and foundations, including the National Catholic Bioethics Center.