Ethics of

Biotechnology

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 Learning Outcomes:
1. Compare a world with and without
biotechnology;
2. Explain the need to actively discuss the
development of biotechnology and its
effects;
3. Assess questions relating to ethical issues
involving genetic modification and
genetically modified organisms
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What is biotechnology?

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 "any technological application that uses biological
systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to
make or modify products or processes for specific
use"

(UN Convention on Biological Diversity)

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What is Biotechnology?

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 Imagine a world where
biotechnology is freely allowed
to flourish vs a world without
biotechnology
Imagine a world where
biotechnology is freely
allowed to flourish…

the good

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Now, imagine a world
without biotechnology…

the bad

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Another scenario can be
thought of when
biotechnology is freely
allowed to flourish…

and the ugly

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 Biotechnology is a very powerful
technology with the potential to transform
our lives entirely. But it is in our best
interest as a society that this
transformation happens in ways that lead
to the greatest benefit.

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 Laws will be needed…

 to help protect those who invest their time and

wealth into bringing this technology to its full
potential
• to protect the public from those who would use
this technology to exploit others
• to protect the environment
• to limit the uses of the technology

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 Bioethics
Bioethics is the study of
the ethical issues emerging
from advances
in biology and medicine. It is
also moral discernment as it
relates to medical policy and
practice.
Genetically Modified
Organisms
(GMOs)

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Higher Yield

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More Variety
Available

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Favorable characteristics
 Favorable characteristics
Pigs
Scientists from the University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute announced they had
deleted the section of DNA that leaves pigs vulnerable to porcine reproductive and
respiratory syndrome, which is estimated to cost European farmers £1.5bn a year
in loss of livestock and decreased productivity.
Mosquitoes
British company Oxitec has created genetically modified male mosquitoes that
carry a “self-limiting gene”. When they are released into the wild and mate with
females their offspring do not reach adulthood, so crucially do not contribute to
the spread of the Zika virus.
Cows
Scientists in both China and Argentina have genetically engineered cows to
produce milk similar in composition to that made by humans. After modifying
embryos, an Argentinian cow – Rosita Isa
Salmon
Last year, the Canadian authorities allowed a GM salmon designed by US
company AquaBounty to be sold to consumers. It is engineered to reach
market size in 18 months, half the time of its natural counterpart.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jun/24/genetically-engineered-animals-the-five-controversial-science
Despite its potential benefits,
ethical questions have been
raised over the years.
Common Ethical Questions
• Does creating GMOs go against nature or against God’s
wishes?
• Is it morally acceptable to genetically modify an organism?
• How great a chance it there that GM technology will prove
harmful?
• Is it wise to risk using GM technology, given our current level of
understanding of the technology? Should the public have a say
about their willingness to take the risk?
• Should GMO products be labeled so that the public can choose
to use them or not?
Common Ethical Questions
• What risk to the natural environment is acceptable if we can feed
hungry people?
• How much profit is acceptable when selling GMOs to farmers and
consumers?
• If the GM technology is found to have harmful side effects, who
will be responsible for correcting the problem?
• Can the world reach consensus on whether or not GMOs should
be created and used?
• Who protects the public interest and can these people be trusted
to carry out their responsibilities effectively?