Diomyka C.

Damgo

C31

Essay about Genetic Modification

GM Technology: Is it Ethical?
We are all witnesses of how biotechnology flourishes our world and
accomplish its maximum potential to innovate. These technologies ease
human lives making anything a piece of cake. However, do these
technologies already cross the line? This essay highlights one of those- the
genetically

modified

organisms

(GMOs).

After

recombinant

DNA

was

introduced in 1973, scientists have been able to move genes from one place
to another within a genome. Scientists refer to this technology as genetic
modification (GM). The animals and plants modified are the GMOs. The
genetic modification entails the insertion or removal of genes to achieved
desired traits. It does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination. The
process sounds simple but is actually very complex and takes year to
achieve. Animals can now grow faster and produce more milk. Crops can now
resist insects, diseases and even drought.

This technology has also been

used in the food industry. Nutritional qualities of foods are enhanced and
food production is increased. We might be overwhelmed by its benefits but
still it is judged if it is safe to use or consume.
People are concerned on the various reasons of using GM technology.
The arguments of analyticity in this issue are based on the technologies
discovered and how it affected the nature of life. For example, some are

opposed because they believe that GM organisms may be dangerous to eat

or harmful to the environment. One issue is about the Bt corn killing monarch
butterflies who used to kill corn borer worm. It damages corn plants causes a
bigger decrease in crop yield. Anti-GMO activist organizations argued that Bt
should be banned. We should also see a bigger picture here. There are
factors that may considered, for example the human activities which causes
their loss of habitat situated in natural habitat in Mexico. It is important to
take claims based on factual concerns. Now, it is undergoing careful scientific
experiments. It is not narrowly delineated and so far, they still consider this
issue. In line with the argument of social responsibility, there is this issue
about businesses that could potentially make huge profits with GM
technology. Those who will benefit may be tempted to maximize profits
regardless of any possible consequences. However, scientists became
accountable

to

the

private

individuals.

Hence,

informed

policy

and

management decisions should be properly implemented. Another argument

is a contra to argument of social responsibility. They said that the web of life
should not be tinkered because humans should not interfere to its natural
relationships that have taken eons to evolve. Only mother nature has the
authority to alter life. The nature of the argument is a bit narrow. This goes
against the professional accountability of scientists to moral persons. The
objectivity is one factor to see the proper stand here. The reasons go with
the argument of publicity. The reaction of different people varies here
because there are many factors that may influenced them. The position may

not be scientifically defensible because the considerable amount of

conflicting factual information is represented to the public. Genetic
modifications are claiming to be more efficient to achieve the desirable traits
than relying on selective breeding. The public just goes with the flow
whenever they react with horror about the spread of genetic mutants.
The issue should be managed seriously because it is in the middle of
great harm and great benefit. The GM technology could improve the quality
and amount of food so that starving would be prevented. Still, there is a fear
that the technology will be used for harmful purposes. The position in the
ethical concern was based if we can deliberately end safely the human
suffering. The choice whether to support GMOs or not is up to the public. No
one should be risked unless they have informed consent before based on
current ethical practices in our society. The risk should not be imposed on
uninformed people.

The complete distinction of products should also be

implemented. The public should be honestly informed on the most current

and accurate information available. I am somehow against GMOs because
this technology can really call the attention of businessmen. According to
Morris (2015), placing the pursuit of profit before safety is dangerous.
Powerful companies rely on risk assessments used to make decisions. An
ethical question might be considered. How many people will be harmed?
What risk to the natural environment is acceptable if we can feed the needy?
The people who are held responsible for this technology should ensure

ethical practices and gain public trust. I will end with a one question. Will you
play continuously or just play safe?

References:
Lin, Doris (n.d). Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) - Pros and Cons.
Retrieved

from:

http://animalrights.about.com/od/animalsusedforfood/a/Arguments-ForAnd-Against-

Genetically-Modified-Organisms.htm

Morris, Jonathan (2015). Biotechnology in the 21 st century. The Ethics of

Biotechnology