Summaries, Quotes, etc.

On one hand, if genetic modification were allowed, parents could choose to give their children more desirable traits, such as intelligence, good health, or athleticism. It could also help parents avoid passing on defective genes or dangerous genetic disease. In addition, if inheritable genetic modification were legal, it would prevent any "black markets" for genetic engineering. On the other hand, IGM is irreversable, so unanticipated side effects would be permanent and there's no way to predict how this will effect humans in the future. Also, it would change the parent-child relationship and would further increase the disparity between the rich elitists, and the lower class who would not be able to afford IGM.

 As far as plants and crops, genetic engineering gives all seeds identical genetic structures. This means that any failure, as far as fungi, pests, and viruses, would be widespread. Also, due to wind and insects, the genetically modified crop seeds can be spread to fields of non-genetically modified crops. This could then cause the crops to cross-polinate, causing unforseen and irreversable side effects. Genetically engineered crops can also be harmful to organisms that live in soil and around fields. In terms of genetically modified food, the GE food has not been fully tested and contains substances from far outside the natural human diet. Additionally, there are many possible genetic mutations and potential allergies.

She lists many good, solid arguments, including gene therapy, a way in which to treat people for genetic diseases and defects, such as autoimmune and heart diseases. Also, genetic engineering has been able to produce stronger, more effective pharmaceutical products. Pregnant women can have a sort of genetic screening, so that they and their doctors may know ahead of time any genetic problems their child will have, providing time for preparation. In addition, through modification, the genetic strength of plants can be increased.

With the use of genetic engineering, humans would be able to modify their food and plants to make them healthier, faster growing, and more abundant. Genetic engineering allows scientist to locate an exact gene in one plant or animal and implant it into another plant or animal so that it may aquire that gene and improve in quality. Or genes may be altered within the plant or animal so that it may be more or less dominant. Healthy foods can become better tasting and unhealthy foods can be enriched with viatmins, minerals, and protein. Additionally, plants can be modified to grow faster, repel insects and herbicides, and require less water for growth. However, these things may come with a cost. By changing the genetic structures of food, allergens can spread and cause unexpected allergic reactions in people who previously did not experience them. Also, plants resistant to insects and herbicides may spread rampantly, wiping out natural, pre-existing plants.