The Ethics of Germ Line Gene Manipulation
Overview
Germ line gene manipulation (GLGM) is the alteration of the genomic content of gametes or zygotes via the insertion of a gene, or genes, into the genome of germ cells. Any such alterations affect the genomic content of future generations. Ethical issues raised by GLGM primarily relate to slippery slope arguments, the moral status of an embryo and intergenerational consent. Concerns about the safety and efficacy of the procedure are also pertinent. This project was originally undertaken as part of an Honours degree in Philosophy in 2000. Since then, the work has been revised for future publication as well as for distribution as an OPPE factsheet.
OPPE Staff
Lucy Carter
Status
Completed
Outcomes
The work has been
summarised in an OPPE factsheet.
The work has also been published in a peer-reviewed journal:
Carter, L. The ethics
of germ line gene modification - A five dimensional debate, Monash Bioethics
Review, 2002, 21(4): 66-81.
Funding
OPPE
Contact webmaster: oppe@uq.edu.au
Last updated: 9 July
2003