Whose genes?
Commission
advises vigilance as scientists tinker
with human blueprint
By
Kevin Heinrichs
ChristianWeek staff
TORONTO–The issue is among the most emotionally-charged subjects of medical science. Human genetics.
News of the discovery of a gene thought to be responsible for a certain disease or an aspect of human behavior emerges on almost a weekly basis.
This is largely the result of a massive research project called Human Genome Initiative, a collaborative effort of scientists around the world to determine the human genetic blueprint. Genes carry instructions on the biological changes that occur in each individual.
That data may someday lead to the healing of certain diseases by replacing or altering mutant genes. But it also opens a Pandora’s box of ethical concerns and questions. Among them:
• Prenatal tests for genetic disease are currently available, but genetically-diseased babies are often aborted because little treatment is available.
• Will the ability of scientists to map the human genome lead scientists to "improve" people by gene enhancement, reminiscent of Nazi Germany’s pursuit of the ideal human?
• What restraints should be placed on research into human cloning?
• Could insurance companies refuse insurance to those whose genetic tests reveal a genetic mutation, even though the disease won’t manifest itself for several years?
• Could employers require prospective employees to be screened for genetic anomalies which might impact the employee’s future job performance?
Those concerns prompted the Social Action Commission of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) to release a discussion paper last month, which insists that Christians "have a responsibility to be vigilant in protecting humanity from the possibility of being abused by the use of this technology."
The 22-page paper, written by doctors, lawyers, geneticists and academics, gives a lay overview of the issues involved and argues for an educated, biblically-based response–both to those who have genetic diseases and to those who regulate genetic testing and therapy.
Most important, the paper says, Christians should support families who are affected by genetically-related disabilities.
"Not only should we care for these individuals on a personal level, but we can also be advocates for them to governments and other bodies that make laws and protocols for how genetic research testing and technologies are used," the paper concludes.
It recommends a recognition of the sovereignty of God and his role as creator. The paper also recommends that federal law enshrine distinct protection of human beings based on the principle of sanctity of human life, an approach that implies "certain applications of genetic technologies would be prohibited or strictly controlled."
The full document, titled "Changing Genes: A Christian Approach to Human Genetic Testing and Therapy," is available from EFC and on the Internet at www.efc-canada.com/na/papindex.htm.
