The Grand Finale...

Albert Wu
EngCmp Final Proposal

For my final project, I propose to support, and write about the efficacy of genetic engineering and stem cell research related to healthcare. Researchers have established the link between heredity and several disease processes, and have even gone far enough to determine which chromosomes are responsible for certain diseases. There are several inheritable diseases that could potentially be cured through genetic engineering, for example sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. However, many would argue that if humans reach the point where genes can be manipulated to exterminate these diseases, we will take the next logical step towards manipulating genes to create a generation of children with higher intelligence and perfect physiques. Several of the books we have read question the ethics of genetic engineering and stem cell research to “improve” future generations of humans. Some believe that through science, we will take away the “essence” of what makes us human, for example individuality. However, genetic engineering is imperative to eliminate health disparities, regardless of potential consequences.

To support my argument, I will cite research regarding several disease processes and explore the potential of genetic engineering to cure disease. In addition, I am going to use some of Lee Silvers, Challenging Nature, to support my argument.

From another scope, I am going to cite McKibben. McKibben would argue that we have reached a point where we’ve had Enough, that genetic engineering is parallel to taking away what makes us fundamentally human.