Julie McCorkindale

Writing Test Promp

John F. Kennedy once said, For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all
forms of human poverty, and all forms of human life. The world is changing dramatically.
During John F. Kennedys presidency, there was no controversy over gene therapy or abortion.
Those problems were yet to exist. All of these problems come with living in the Technological
Era we are currently in. President Kennedy was correct when he stated that we do have the
ability to eradicate certain problems. The question that is presented to us is whether or not it is
morally acceptable to use technology to alter human life.
A very controversial issue in our society is gene therapy. Gene therapy is altering the
DNA of a human being to prevent them from living with certain diseases. It poses a difficult
question for society to answer. Some pious people may argue that everyone is made in the image
and likeness of God. They believe it is not acceptable to alter the DNA of a human being made
so perfect by God. If a child is born with autism and science provided us with the ability to give
that child a life free of the unfortunate disease, would we? In order for that child to live a
happier life free of autism, we would be changing the DNA of that human being, which is
morally unacceptable to certain people. Others would argue that If we have the tools to give this
child a life free of suffering with a terrible disease, we should. That child is not going to have
different morals, values, or opinions that are not formulated by his/her own mind and
experiences after the surgery. Through science, modern technology, and the research of brilliant

people, that child would potentially be able to live a happier, more fulfilled life. Society should
not deprive that of anyone unless by their own volition.
Human life is precious. It is a great responsibility to have the ability to alter DNA. If
technology can be used to enhance human life, it should. There is no question as to whether
someone deserves to live a life free of diseases such as autism. If through our research, we have
the tools to abolish certain problems, there is a stronger argument that we should enhance human
life.