Türkiye Biyoetik Dergisi (May 2020)
Frightening Dark Side of the Human Genome Project; Creation of Privileged Superhumans
Abstract
The Human Genome Project (HUGO) was initiated in 1990 to determine the susceptibility to genetic diseases lacking treatment based on the structural, functional characteristics of DNA and to provide diagnosis and treatment by discovering the locations, structures of genes. Despite the benefits HUGO offers to individuals and society in means of better treatments; possibility of genetic-specific discrimination and the demand for genetic superiorities in recruitment, causing psychological distress to patients and their relatives by making them go through the process of learning that they might develop a genetic disease make this project's future outcome questionable. Will there be requests to be more intelligent, taller, stronger, etc. in the search for genetic superiorities? These demands lead us to the notion of 'eugenics (being born as ‘better humans'-creation of superhumans-hereditary nobility)'. If we discuss the concept of eugenics within the notion of 'slippery slope' (as it is used in bioethics) we could formulate the argument in this way: when the first and innocent step A is taken, it is then followed by step B that defines an undesirable situation that is ethically unacceptable. Step 1,2 and 3 in HUGO is determining the susceptibility to genetic diseases, making the diagnosis and treatment possible; Step 4 and 5 is pre-determination of genes and eliminating defective genes; Step 6 is increasing the frequency of socially desirable genes and ensuring conceiving a child with blond hair, colored eyes, intelligence, etc.; Step 7 is the existence of privileged people in social and business life due to prenatal gene alterations. As it could be seen clearly, step 1, 2 and 3 might be a desirable outcome today however we realize that we might face a daunting situation in the future such as 'genetic discrimination' that occurs in step 7. It should be reminded that once we start rolling down the hill of morals and values it is inevitable that our values will be dragged to an uncontrollable and unstoppable point. Nevertheless, genetic researchers should be aware of our ethical values and they must take precautionary measures accordingly besides the international limitations on HUGO's usage.
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