Semblance of Ethics in Technology

s2038110

The aim of this essay is to discuss the existing and emerging technologies of In-vitro fertilization
(IVF) and human genetic modification respectively, thereby exploring their ethical aspects and
how they create challenges in the contemporary world. This paper will also discuss the solutions
to such challenges for the former and how they may or may not be applied to the latter.

IVF is well known globally recognized technique and is practiced to achieve either fertilization for
those who suffer from infertility or to produce child of a specific gender using preimplantation
genetic testing. The second of the two is done by artificially fertilizing the eggs with sperm. The
embryos are tested extensively for genetic abnormalities and those with desired gender are
inseminated into the woman. The procedure is invasive and can be extremely painful. It may also
lead to multiple births, might can be highly undesired (Leigh 2007, para 12).
While the technology is used as an advantage to treat infertility, its use for gender selection
creates ethical challenges which are not unforeseen. In countries such as India there exists a
preference for male child based on different interests in all classes of society (Kugler 2015 ,1). It
arises from household structures where girls and women are considered to have marginal socio-
economic position. Also, it is believed that sons would provide support to their parents
throughout their life. The girl child is considered as a liability because of dowry issues which is a
cultural crime (Kugler 2015 ,13). The skewed sex ratio of female to male (Roberts 2016, E8) means
practices such as ‘trade’ of brides in some regions also take place (TNN 2017, 1). Such challenges
have been further well explicated by Chervenak et al (2009, 245).
The solutions for these challenges include government’s extensive effort to create a balance in
the society. The gender selection has been banned, deemed illegal and treated as a crime (Nehra
2015, para 4). The effort towards the awareness and sensitization campaigns for the girl child
have been carried out by the government and various NGOs to help people identify it as a social
problem. Curbing the violence and sexual harassment would eradicate insecurity among parents
to accept a girl child. Equal opportunities and proper vocational training will not only empower
them but also create an equal society (Leach 2016).
Human genetic modification is a technology that inculcates alteration of the genes in eggs, sperm
or early embryos. Also termed as “gene editing for reproduction,” these alterations appear in
every cell of the person who develops from that embryo, and also in all subsequent generations
(Harris 2016, para 1). The extraction of such genes and subsequent introduction in the new
being can provide physically, mentally and socially efficient varieties. For example, 6 percent of
total births worldwide are born with a serious defect of genetic origin and the technology would
help to counter such imbalances. The technology can also be used in adults by transferring
specific material into a body to achieve desired result (para 7).

The drawback of non-reversal of the process can hamper one’s expectation if anything goes
wrong. Also, this artificial augmentation can be quoted as “a comprehensive attempt to frustrate
the course of nature”. While people want the next generation with best physical and mental
health state and thus contribute to further inventions in science and technology, it can also be
misused to a great extent (Patra 2015, para 3). For example, by gene doping an athlete may
enhance its performance and gain competitive edge (Simmons 2008, para 7). Wealthy people will
turn to ‘playing God’ or ‘unnatural’ way of augmenting the personality of their child. They would
be near perfect and superior to others and it will ultimately add to ever increasing gap between
the rich and the poor.

The curiosity of scientists to inherit perfection among races leads to tremendous research and
inventions such as this. But just because the researchers can do something doesn't mean
they should. While banning the technology will be against human nature which is to evolve,
further testing and research will be required to educate society on the consequences of this
genetic engineering. The fact that it is much more difficult to convince someone to not have a
genetically favorable child as compared to spreading awareness to stop gender selection, one
can argue that they may not have many common solutions. Thus, there is a need to find new
solutions in order to make this technology acceptable for all.

References:
1) Leigh, Suzanne, Choosing your baby's sex: What the scientists say, BabyCenter, L.L.C., 25th July 2007,
https://www.babycenter.com/0_choosing-your-babys-sex-what-the-scientists-say_2915.bc

2) Kugler A.D, Kumar S; Preference for Boys, Family Size and Educational Attainment in India, 2 May 2015, JEL classification: I15,
I2, J13, J18.

3) Chervenak F.A., Mccullough L.B., Sex determination by ultrasound: ethical challenges of sex ratio imbalances and invidious
discrimination, Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2009; 34: 245–246, Published online in Wiley InterScience
(www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI: 10.1002/uog.7320,

4) Roberts L.R., Montgomery S.B., India's Distorted Sex Ratio: Dire Consequences for Girls, Journal of
Christian Nursing: January/March 2016 - Volume 33 - Issue 1 - p E7–E15, doi: 10.1097/CNJ.0000000000000244

5) Times News Network (TNN), In Haduti, brides are available for Rs. 50,000, Jul 13, 2017 accessed at
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/in-hadauti-brides-are-available-for-rs-50000/articleshow/59571423.cms

6) Nehra K.S., Sex Selection & Abortion, June 2009, accessed at https://www.loc.gov/law/help/sex-selection/india.php, last
updated: 06/09/2015

7) Leach A, 12 steps to achieve gender equality in our lifetimes, 14 Mar 2016, accessed at
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2016/mar/14/gender-equality-women-girls-rights-
education-empowerment-politics

8) Harris J, Pro and Con: Should Gene Editing Be Performed on Human Embryos, August 2016, accessed at
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/08/human-gene-editing-pro-con-opinions/

9) Patra S, Andrew AA. Human, Social, and Environmental Impacts of Human Genetic Engineering. J Biomedical Sci. 2015, 4:2.
doi:10.4172/2254-609X.100014

10) Simmons, D. (2008) Genetic inequality: Human genetic engineering. Nature Education 1(1):173