The ethics of germline gene editing

The ethics of germline gene editing Order Description   Senior Thesis Paper: Write a 10 page paper discussing one of the following: a subject of significant relevance to ethics in healthcare today or a debatable bioethical issue relevant to healthcare today. The 10 page limit does NOT include the title or reference pages. It must be written in APA format, typed using 12-point font, one-inch margins, and be double-spaced. Your paper will need to include an introductory paragraph including both a thesis statement and a purpose statement. The paper will need to include the following components: • Establish Thesis/Position • Support Thesis using Ethical Theory and Principles • Present Arguments Supporting Thesis using Research/Statistics • Present Opposing Views and Theories using Research/Statistics • Present Rebuttal to Opposing Arguments using Research/Statistics • Faith Integration • Value/Impact to Nursing • Use of APA Format/Rules   The Professor wanted me to utilize this essay. Intro (include Thesis & Purpose statement) – Include background and definitions in this section as well as statistics. Start your paper with an attention grabber like a real story of someone who is an example of your position to strengthen your argument. Argument For (level 1 heading) “Argument for – what are your 3 main arguments for your position? Each point should be at least a paragraph and should have its own heading (level 3 headings) 1 main argument with evidence #1 2 main argument with evidence #2 3 main argument with evidence #3 Opposing View (level 1 heading)- each point should be at least a paragraph and should have its own heading (level 3 headings) 1. opposing view #1 with evidence 2. opposing view #2 with evidence 3. opposing view #3 with evidence Rebuttal- Level 1 heading) (these arguments should directly refute the opposing view arguments and should be at least one paragraph each and level 3 heading) 1. with evidence 2. with evidence 3. with evidence Faith Integration- (level 1 heading)- Use some of your faith material here, but make sure it is supported by experts within the faith communities. What do the major Christian organizations say about this topic (use the bible but also use formal statements made by major Christian organizations). Nursing Implications (level 1 heading)- Make sure to use the ANA, Nurse Practice Act, Code of Ethics, Social Policy Statement, etc. Conclusion ( level 1 heading)   *include ethical principles and theories throughout *Headings are in bold above. Use level 1 headings for main headings and level 3 headings for subheadings within each main section. *You must define for the reader the specific concepts you are writing about and cite them.   Editing Genes for A Healthy Baby 7.9 million children or 6 percent of total births worldwide are born with a defect of genetic origin every year, Christianson, Howson, and Modell, (2006). Advances in science have opened the door to “embryonic genetic engineering”, a new form of alteration of DNA that has the potential to eliminate genetic disorders before embryonic implantation. Human germline gene modification can reduce the incidence of many serious genetic diseases, reduce human suffering worldwide, and improve the quality of a child’s life. The purpose of this paper is to use utilize moral principles and scientific research to support the use of germline genetic modification in the unborn child. Pro and Cons of Germline Gene Modification Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique that genetically screens early human embryos for invetro fertilization to eliminate embryos that have x-linked diseases, chromosomal abnormalities, and a potential for chronic illness (Cyranoski, 2015). Parents who are carriers for genetic disorders and diseases can undergo PGD screening to ensure that any faulty gene is not passed on to their children. Another form of human genetic engineering is germline therapy. In germline therapy the aim is eliminate a genetic disorder or acquired disease in the embryo to improve the quality of their life. The faulty gene is removed from the genetic makeup of an embryo before implantation (Davis, 1992). To understand why gene modification should be used, both supportive and opposing views will be analyzed. Proponents for embryonic gene therapy value the well being of the patient and potential offspring as paramount. They believe that humans have the right to be free from suffering, safety, morality, and rights to therapy. The first benefit of gene modification is the prevention of human suffering. According to Davis, 1992, “germline therapy can correct a defect in all the cells of the embryo, from the earliest stages of development”. All humans should live a life free from preventable suffering. For many years children have been afflicted with genetic illness, some have lived with debilitating conditions and others have died because of the lack of a cure. Diseases such as Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis, HIV, and heart disease can now be prevented. Another important factor to consider is safety. In the research that has been conducted there has been no significant findings concerning a possible safety issue for the mother or the embryo. In fact, Cyranoski, 2015, states that scientist argue that embryo editing, compares gene editing in embryos used in in vitro fertilization, which people objected to until it was shown to be safe. Because the United States has not banned germline editing and requires government approval scientist have the ability to continue to research its benefits. Studies have found that the risk of germline changes and human enhancement is not unique to germline gene editing (GGE), and merely shows that we need to research GGE thoroughly, and carefully regulate any clinical applications (Savulescu, Gyngell, & Douglas, 2016 p. 510). Since research is still in its early phases GGE should continue to be studied because the benefits are promising. Finally, gene modification is medically and morally appropriate because it is a way of preventing genetic disease in an innocent child. Nonmaleficence refers to doing no harm, and in this case that refers to the utilization of a possible treatment for many children who will be affected with a poor prognosis because of lack of an available cure. Withholding an opportunity for preventative medicine is the equivalent to cause deliberate harm. The (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses states does not prohibit this type of research because of the possible benefit to the people. This is also known as beneficence: do or promote good, prevent harm (Burkhardt & Nathaniel, 2008). Gene modification is medically and morally appropriate because it is a way to prevent genetic disease in an innocent child. The therapy has the potential to provide great benefit not only for the current generation but also for future generation because of the alteration of the defective gene in the embryos DNA.   References Christianson, A., Howson, C. P., & Modell, B. (2006). March of Dimes. Global Report on Birth Defects March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, White Plains, New York. Cyranoski, D. (2015). Embryo editing divides scientists: researchers disagree over whether making heritable changes to genes crosses an ethical line. Nature, 519 (7543), 272-273. Human Research Policies. Milbank Quarterly, 82(1), 195-214. Doi: 10.1111/j.0887-378X.2004.00306.x Savulescu, J., Gyngell, C., & Douglas, T. (2016). The ethics of germline gene editing. Journal of Applied Psychology Doi 10.1111/japp.12249