Eventual consequences
Tampering with Nature’s way has its own consequences. Global warming is one of the best examples where human practices have resulted in Nature returning consequences in its own way. As long as these initiatives remain at the research phase and within labs, it works. However, the moment this will be generalised, Nature will once again have a way of retaliating. The generations we are trying to preserve might be the ones suffering the consequences of the practices of today.
From Dr John Mathew
Dubai
We need this
If we can go to Mars and the Moon, then why not explore genetics? How is it different? They both are like defying Nature. Finding cures for diseases are like tampering with Nature. If not for those rebellious scientists of the renaissance era, then we wouldn’t be sitting in the comforts of our four walls and typing out our views here!
From Ms Jaya R. K.
UAE
Cannot encourage
Despite this not being the right way to get babies, at the global level, it is very common. Those parents longing for a child for years are adopting this method. Certainly health issues will arise and this cannot be encouraged as per researchers’ studies.
From Mr Ragavan Krishnamachary
Bengaluru, India
Don’t see a problem
I don’t see this as accelerating evolution, they are only preventing a genetic mutation from having a devastating affect on a new life. Yes, it is tampering with Nature, but so is cloud seeding, deforestation and millions of other practices.
From Ms Jane Dargue
Dubai
Helpful, but changes conceptions
Genetic manipulations have become a reality for some time now: it initially started with plants and other species. Now the technology has been expanded to agricultural produce, which claims to have superior quality, nutritional value and an even longer shelf life. The advancement of genetic technology now being developed with the intention of modifying the natural attributes of life, including a human’s vulnerability to illness before or at the time of conception has raised some ethical questions.
I personally feel that if there is a technology that would help the conception of healthy offspring, and it has every best intention, then it would be a great breakthrough for the whole of humanity. However, I would not endorse a view that would in any way put the life of an unborn child into danger for whatever reason. A life must not be destroyed through the technological selection process. In fact, all those vaccinations available today against certain diseases, in one way or another, do the function of modifications albeit post birth. Humanity welcomed such healthcare advancements with both hands, literally.
However, the new development may have repercussions on ethical and religious premises that touch on creation and the concept of human destiny.
From Mr V. I. Mohammad Sageer
UAE
Don’t tamper
The new procedure of three-parent babies is clearly unethical as this is tampering with the fertilisation process. The fact that the diseases and certain characteristics that a baby could possibly inherit from its mother can be eradicated by the help of a donor parent is what makes this process unfavourable. It is absolutely wrong to tamper with a child’s DNA to ensure it is created the way we desire - without any illnesses and having the features we want. The fertilisation process remains natural only as long as it is not scientifically altered.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
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