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ICANEWS Septiembre 2005, Año 2 # 9
Should advances in Human Embryology and Genetic Engineering be regulated or banned?
by Candela Blanco Vecchi
ICA Student Level 8

Technological advances have always been a matter of discussion and controversy. Nowadays, scientists are improving their methods and making new discoveries. Advances in human embryology and genetic engineering are increasing day by day. While it is true that advances could save lives, it mustn't be forgotten that they could kill people too. So, should scientists have free ride to continue with their experiments?

One of the most significant disadvantages of these advances is that scientists can tinker with life. Scientific advances have shown that researchers will be able to manipulate people's lives. For example, in the future scientists may be able to ¨correct¨ the genes so as to make an army of cloned people with special characteristics. Furthermore, another drawback is that perhaps by accident, lethal diseases could escape from the lab where they are being investigated and cause the death of thousands of people. Opponents assure that these advances could affect the natural order of evolution and the world could become a disaster if scientists don't have limits to continue with their experiments.

On the other hand, advances in human embryology and genetic engineering have many advantages related with medicine and agriculture. One of the main advantages is the cure of inherited diseases in babies such as fibrosis or any illness that could be mortal. This advance would provide them with the chance of a longer life. Moreover, nowadays, doctors can help infertile couples to have children through the so-called “test-tube” baby technique. Another benefit lies in the field of agriculture. Farmers can now grow engineered crops to be resistant to drought, diseases and unnatural pests. This could be very useful for many starving people, because the production will increase and food will be cheaper. With respect to animals, scientists can now breed animals in extinction and save different species.

Taking both sides of the argument into consideration, I would say that although there are many potential dangers, such as manipulation of life or the creation of mortal diseases, advances in genetic engineering and human embryology are necessary for the evolution of society. Only if scientists are responsible and conscientious, these advances will be beneficial. If not, they could provoke a devastating disaster.

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Glossary
have free ride: tener rienda libre
tinker: ocuparse vanamente
drawback: desventaja
inherited diseases: enfermedades congénitas
couple: pareja
drought: sequías
to starve: morirse de hambre
breed: producir, criar
conscientious: honesto,escrupuloso

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