Although people worldwide suffer from a bunch of genetically related diseases, I

believe that the result cannot be just working on eliminating those genes from the human

genome at all. Discussing this point would have been something insane just before

CRISPR appeared, but now, after being capable of literally changing whatever genes we

need, the question becomes “Should we do this?”

After a one-hour debate, I ended up being more convinced that genetically modifying

humans -either embryos or older ones- is, by all means, unethical. On one hand, it is

suggested that we can use CRISPR only to eliminate deadly diseases such as Cancer, or

even help a baby to not be a dwarf, dump, autistic, or blind. On the other hand, I propose

the question of how would we draw the line between genetically eliminating those

diseases and genetically ‘enhancing’ humans. Enhancing humans includes changing eye

color, muscular strength, being more intelligent, and much more. Another threat to keep

in mind is bioterrorism. The potential for bioterrorists to use CRISPR to engineer

biological weapons or pathogens that are resistant to existing treatments or vaccines

raises significant ethical concerns. The deliberate release of such genetically modified

pathogens could result in widespread harm and loss of life. I personally believe that

people cannot be controlled so they just use CRISPR in treatment and never move to

further steps that might include literally designing babies.

One more point worth mentioning, are we even in need of wiping out those who are

different from us? Don’t we really need autistics who think in a completely different way?

What if they are useful in a way that we cannot fully notice? Regarding just enhancing the

physical appearance of humans, won’t this set general beauty standards for society as a

whole? This, in my opinion, would undoubtedly increase the social gap between humans
that already exists. In addition, it would exponentially decrease the human diversity that

we need.

All in all, genetically modifying humans, from my point of view, is unethical by all

means. I believe that having bad genes would never mean having a bad life ahead, just as

having good genes wouldn’t guarantee a great life. The point isn’t about having good genes

and being super beautiful, and strong. It is all about how you feel satisfied with whoever

you are. The beauty trends that would come up wouldn’t last forever, and people cannot

spend their lives changing their shapes to keep up with the upcoming trends, we just need

to learn how to accept who we are.

Roaa Hany Emam

ID: 900232358