Why the Human Genome Project?

One goal of the genetic revolution certainly appears to be the physical perfection of the human race. Through decoding the human genome scientists hope, among other things, to discover the causes for many diseases, develop new treatments and cures and slow or reverse the aging process.

Already researchers on the Human Genome Project have identified genetic disorders responsible for cystic fibrosis and some types of cervical, stomach and testicular cancer, among other diseases. Scientists regularly announce similar discoveries as they dig ever more deeply into our genetic makeup.

But will the Human Genome Project produce only good fruit?

We might ask ourselves: What happens when men and women try to reach physical perfection as the ultimate goal of existence? Already the deciphering of the secrets of genes has motivated parents to abort unborn fetuses with abnormal genetic profiles. In a society that each year aborts more than a million unborn, mostly for convenience, temptations for genetically motivated abortions are continually increasing. Even when there is no proven genetic defect but only the potential for genetically undesirable children, pressure has been applied to terminate pregnancies.

At the other extreme we see an increasing trend toward creating "designer babies" by customizing personal genetic traits such as looks, abilities, height, intelligence and hair and eye color. An enterprising American businessman even set up a Web site offering-for a fee few could afford-eggs from attractive models whose photos were shown on the site.

Genetic discrimination is a real possibility. Will companies screen potential employees and deny jobs or insurance to those with genetic predisposition to some diseases? Ultimately, children could be sorted into social classes or career tracks based on career potential.

Although the Human Genome Project offers the potential for tremendous good, it opens a Pandora's box of troubling moral and ethical issues. In his book Remaking Eden: How Genetic Engineering and Cloning Will Transform the American Family, Princeton University professor Lee Silver asserts that "the use of reprogenic technologies is inevitable. For better and worse, a new age is upon us." GN