One of the most amazing feats of modern science was the ability to define and map the human genome. As soon as scientists better understood where genetic material rested in the DNA that makes up a human being, they were able to develop techniques that allowed them to modify said material in many was. Replacing one gene with another is now possible. Similarly, it is becoming increasingly possible to predict which traits a child will be born with (Gardner, 2011). These two factors, working in conjunction with one another now make it possible to essentially design a child to be born with specific qualities in mind. There is a great deal of debate inherent to the concept of genetic modification.
Some people believe that modifying genetic material in any way, shape, or form is incredibly wrong and that it is akin to ‘playing God.’ Other people believe that parents should be able to modify their own genetic material in any way they see fit if they are doing so for the betterment of the child. A proportion of these individuals even believe in choosing what others have begun to call, their own ‘designer babies’ with extremely particular traits such as height or eye color (Gardner, 2011). These people believe it is all right to leave little or nothing up to genetic chance. There is however, also a middle ground in which parents who are at risk for having a child with a severe genetic disorder wish to pick which genetic material is allowed to survive and implant in the mother so that they avoid having a child with potentially little or no quality of life. The wide variety of perspectives on this topic make it even more difficult to determine where one falls on the ethical spectrum.
Use your promo and get a custom paper on
"Gene Editing".
In times where there is a great deal of difference among perspectives, it becomes all the more important to rely on documents created by intelligent and educated individuals who have agreed upon a system of ethics. While documents such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics are still subject to a great deal of interpretation, they can provide insight into issues such as genetic modification. This is important because not every individual will agree with the same system of ethics in regards to this topic. Instead, the ANA can help nursing professionals to reach a sort of middle ground where all perspectives are taken into consideration. In fact, provision 1 of the document describes perfectly the intentions of the Code of Ethics, “The nurse practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and unique attributes of every person” (ANA, 2015). This is an extremely important provision in the consideration of genetic modifications. While a nurse may not actually agree with the perspective of his/her patient it is important to remain open minded in the field of medicine at all times. Nursing is not about judgment but instead, to act ethically, nurses must help each individual patient in their own ethical journey to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
In many ways, this provision breeds the question of who is the patient in considerations of genetic modifications. Is it the unassuming child or the parents who the nurse should be attempting to accommodate for? Instead, an ethical consideration would focus on what is best for the family not what makes them happiest. Thus, while it may not be ethical to allow a family to change their child’s eye color on a whim, it may not be best for a family to have a child who is born with severe physical or mental disabilities if that can be avoided. In a case such as this, not only does the consideration of genetic modification show ethical support for the family but also, for the life of the child who would have to suffer from the consequences of their disorder. In keeping consistent with the third provision of the ANA, the nurse “promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient.” (ANA, 2015). Whether one considers the child, pregnant mother or the family the ‘patient,’ the most important thing is that each individual is supported in maintaining a healthy life whenever possible. In cases such as severe Down Syndrome or other even more devastating genetic disorder, the best way to keep a patient healthy may be to support genetic modification and avoid contraction of the disorder in general (Fordham, 2011). Of course, as also outlined in the ANA Code of ethics, no nurse is alone in helping his/her patients make such a life changing decision. Instead, a team of healthcare professionals should be contracted so the decision is made with a myriad of different perspectives taken into consideration (ANA, 2015).
While addressing every ethical consideration of genetic modification would be too exhaustive for such a short paper, it is important to remember that this field of genetics is still in its infancy. As such, no nurse should consider this issue without attaching a great deal of seriousness to their consideration. Ultimately, as outlined in provision 4 of Code of Ethics, “the nurse has authority, accountability, and responsibility for nursing practice; makes decisions; and takes action consistent with the obligation to promote health and to provide optimal care” (ANA, 2015). While this statement can speak to many parts of nursing practice when considered with the issue of genetic modification, it speaks to the need for nurses and other professionals to counsel families well. There are many misunderstandings about this field as it is still a relatively new one. No matter the side of the argument, healthcare professionals should remember to manage parent’s expectations and remind them that modifications by no means guarantee a perfect child (Fordham, 2011). To the contrary, it is the way we are all different and the struggles we go through that make us each special and unique human beings. This is an extremely relevant point in the world of genetic modifications.
