As with any new technology, social, ethical, and legal issues must be taken into consideration. In the development of gene therapy, a number of questions have been posed as to whether or not this type of treatment should be allowed.

Instructions

Your task is to research the social, ethical, and legal implications of using gene therapy to treat diseases and disorders. After your research, select a viewpoint, and defend your position in the form of a discussion post. Outline your argument, and provide evidence, if possible, to support your claims.

Your argument should include the following:

• An opening statement that clearly states your opinion.
• The body of your argument should contain two or three points that support your argument. Remember to consider the credibility of your sources when selecting evidence for your discussion post.
• Summarize your argument with a closing statement.

Possible Questions

• Who should decide how gene therapy will be used?
• Who decides what ‘normal’ is?
• Do disabilities and disorders need to be cured or prevented?
• What are the possible side effects to gene therapy? Who decides whether the benefits outweigh the risks?
• Is it more ethical to use cells from adults as opposed to embryonic cells in gene therapy research?