The Perfect Answer, or the Perfect Baby? Exploring and Analyzing the Ethics of Genetic Engineering in Humans

An array of lights give a sense of warmth and welcoming to an already beautiful white suburban home. The living room boasts cotton furniture combined with a fireplace that heats the room, adding to the sensation that one would feel within the walls of the house. An extravagant chandelier adds to and brightens the atmosphere of the room. A boy named Henry crawls around the living room floor. The boy continues to play with the toys he is accustomed to playing with and enjoys both the independence and freedom that comes with such activities. A single cough sends the boy into a sequence of coughs that alert his mother that both speedy treatment and assistance are needed as soon as possible. The boy’s coughing eventually comes to a stop, allowing his breathing to continue in a consistent yet cautious manner. The disease? Cystic Fibrosis. The cure? Nothing. The boy’s episodes of coughing prove to be daily obstacles that the mother must both comprehend and navigate in the best possible ways, yet she continues to do so with utter strength and perseverance. The mother would give anything to enable her child to live at least somewhat of a “normal life,” but instead is tasked on a daily basis with the requirements to help her son Henry just get through the day and ultimately survive. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, none at all. But Henry’s story may not be for nothing as it could serve the purpose of perhaps changing the lives of millions of children and individuals. So, what if there was a cure? Could the facts and display of Henry’s lifestyle be a potential motivating factor in a parent's decision to go forth with a genetic procedure prior to birth?

Meanwhile, in the same state, the same city, in fact just miles down the road, lives a married couple, young in age and contemplating their very first child. The genetics of the family and their hopes of their child’s features ultimately contradict each other. Neither parent stands taller than 5 feet 10 inches, and neither one has a shade of blonde hair or a tint of blue eyes. Yet, both of them dream of their own child exemplifying remarkable displays of height, physical structure, and the blonde hair and blue eyes that they never had yet had always hoped for. Both Elliot and Lauren hope and pray for a healthy child above all things yet have altered both their expectations and dreams to a whole new level upon discovery of such enhancements that can be made before birth. The couple did their research and discovered a specific company that they believe will help guarantee that their child will display the features that they desire but are not genetically programmed to produce. The couple is ready to pay for such a procedure because money is no issue for them.

These two unique stories sound completely different yet share a common thread. Both of these scenarios share a complex situation. One story touches on occurrences that fundamentally deprive a human being of the world to live a normal life. The other is a story that pushes a perfectly normal and healthy individual of the world to be different from what they were designed to be for the sake of attractive traits that could become success factors. What both of these stories have in common is that science has developed in so many vast ways that professionals can now manipulate the genetic code. Genetic manipulation is one of the most significant issues occurring in the world that Christians must become involved in for the sake of distinguishing right from wrong. In the end, this process can potentially cure diseases, such as cystic fibrosis that Henry possesses, or provide a quantity of desired genes such as Elliot and Lauren desire. The possibilities of both are truly remarkable, while the consequences are also a factor that should not be overlooked either. The practice being described is an affair known commonly as human genetic engineering. While the name of such a procedure sounds almost revolutionary to a generation searching for answers, solutions, and positive options to discouraging medical situations, it is only the beginning of a truly extraordinary conversation. Christians must have a foundational stance in this issue because if not, then we as humans will inevitably violate the Imago Dei and play God.

Perhaps every individual who hears or relates to a story of similar kind would agree that the safest, healthiest, and most beneficial action towards a potential cure is the absolute option that ought to be taken. If there is even the slightest chance for a disease of such pain, challenge, and prevention from a “normal” life to be avoided, then almost every individual would make the decision to take the chance in hopes of a positive outcome. But what if this procedure, practice, or chance contradicts what Christ reveals to us as humans? What if these actions directly violate a set of unwritten ethical rules and laws bestowed to societies and communities since the beginning of time? Of course, both the scientific and medical fields are vast in terms of the quality of research and accomplishments they ultimately put forth. The scientific and medical fields are additionally designed to cure and treat the diseases of the here and now as well as attempt the best they can to prevent diseases of the future. Genetic engineering, through a mountain of tools, resources, and educated work of qualified individuals, can prevent said diseases from entering, controlling, and destroying the human body. Through this, the logical decision is obvious that almost any family would make based on a discovery of a certain disease within their child prior to birth. However, if there is an ethical, moral, and spiritual concern as to violating the integrity of even one of those three, then perhaps the most beneficial, most convenient, and simply put, the best possible option from an overall standpoint, is not the action that should be taken.

For someone to comprehend the concept of genetic engineering, they certainly do not require a degree in that particular field, but they must possess a basic understanding. Genetic engineering has many elements and concepts that are beyond what this paper will cover, but knowing both the basics and facts of what is meant by the genetic code will truly make one appreciate the magnitude of such a topic. The foundation that is pivotal in understanding genetic coding is deoxyribonucleic acid, more commonly known as DNA. DNA is a giant double helix molecule that resides within the nucleus of every cell. In simple terms, DNA “contains genes. Genes contain instructions for making proteins. Proteins act alone or in complexes to perform many cellular functions and determine traits” (Nolan). The Human Genome Project was a landmark accomplishment completed in 2003 that discovered where in the human DNA different traits came from. This work gave what can be thought of as almost the master plans for human genetics today. Why does this matter when considering the issue of genetic engineering? Because once one is in full possession of knowing the genetic code, it then becomes possible to eventually manipulate and alter that same code. It is similar to coding in a computer, where if someone has both the knowledge and skill to control what the code is, then they can change what the computer does and can do. This kind of expertise can lead to the potential for correcting errors in the code that are causing glitches in the computer. At the same time, this kind of expertise can be utilized for creating desired programs on one’s own. In the same way, knowing the genetic code could potentially allow an individual to correct certain errors that occur or take the path of creating something original and unique to them.

The scientific field of genetics is an area so vast yet so intriguing in terms of both the functions and solutions it explores and solves. A perfect example of this is the discovery of how scientists can change the genetic code. Invented in 2009 by partners Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuel Charpentier, the CRISPR-Cas9 system is both one of the most useful and powerful tools that biotechnology holds in its hands today (Marks). Human genetic engineering utilizes this technology known as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic repeats yet more commonly known as CRISPR-Cas9. Cas9 is a protein whose objective is to act as scissors to cut DNA and genes. This technology can sense repeats in DNA of invading viruses and therefore cut them out. Scientists use the CRISPR-Cas9 system to then cut DNA sequences of their choice and eventually insert new DNA sequences in their place. This particular system allows for both quick engineering of a cell's makeup and for designer genomes. With the use of this effective technology, scientists can then cut out certain traits from an individual’s cells and insert new traits into those same cells. The process is both profound and complex, but is one that is so beneficial in approaching congenital diseases such as cystic fibrosis, a disease that has left millions of children across the world without the chance for a “normal life” and has devastated many families and parents involved. However, this is the exact same technology that could help Elliot and Lauren achieve the features desired for their very first child.

The CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing process and technology is one that certainly comes with a substantial amount of credibility for those who may have their respective doubts of the process. CRISPR-Cas9 has the optimistic potential then to possibly cure diseases such as hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, tyrosinemia, and muscular dystrophy, among many other disorders. In fact, according to the Innovative Genomics Institute, “In late 2023, we saw the first-ever approval of CRISPR-based medicine: Casgevy, a cure for sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT)” (Henderson). While this is not to say that the technology is absolutely bulletproof, without flaw, and of no dangerous potential outcome, it does reveal both the impact, effectiveness, and capabilities of the practice.

Yet at every point within an issue so vast, worldwide, and influential in our everyday interactions in our culture today, it is critical to consider why the elements of both genetic engineering as well as the science behind it truly matter. To start, genetically engineering parts and pieces within humans leads to a great potential of curing diseases that can otherwise not be cured. Continuing this same discussion, human genetic engineering in general holds great promise in the realm of medicine and human health. By targeting specific genes associated with genetic disorders, scientists have the potential to completely cure or prevent these diseases that have plagued humanity for generations. To think of a world where some of the most common, deadly, and devastating diseases could be effectively addressed and treated through gene editing techniques offers an immense amount of relief to individuals and families affected by these tragic medical diseases. For example, scientists in Creative Biolabs have begun to transition from basic practices of medicine to more modern-day techniques such as the ones being discussed (Creative Biolabs). According to the company’s own website, they state “Our services enable investigators to disrupt, add, and correct any gene in a diverse range of cell types and organisms. By using our transformative tools, the ability to manipulate and study model organisms has dramatically expanded. Also, we are trying our best to support the promise of correcting the genetic causes of many diseases.” In addition to this evidence, a Mayo Clinic researcher, Michael Barry, even stated on his own terms “Gene therapy intends to provide long-lasting protein expression to fix a broken gene and its broken protein” (Fichera).

One pertinent example that exemplifies the magnificence of such a practice in a fascinating way includes an occurrence in China in 2018 that struck the media and CRISPR-Cas9 world. On November 25, Chinese researcher He Jiankui announced that he had assisted in the genetic modification of two Chinese twin girls, making them HIV immune. Jiankui was able to use the CRISPR technology to immunize both of the babies against the HIV virus by disabling CCR5 gene, which is the gene that begins the infection (Subica). Through this story, it is clear that the CRISPR technology is of immense effect as it relates to curing diseases. This is real proof that such procedures can not only be performed thoroughly, but performed with safety as well as with the most important factor of them all: success.

Because these diseases are present from birth, and are generally caused by some genetic element, gene editing opens the door for these diseases to ultimately be cured. However, this system has also opened the door to one of the scariest and dangerous practices in all of the fields of science. Because science allows one to edit the genes of the egg, sperm, or embryo, it is additionally possible to create "designer babies''. The modifications possible include a baby's height, outward appearance, eye and hair color, personality, and even gender selection.

For example, if a certain set of parents desire their child to be of significant height with dark wavy hair and a pair of blue eyes, scientists now have the resources to assemble a human being with these particular and very specific features. It is truly realistic to imagine couples such as Elliot and Lauren who desire certain traits for their child but at the same time know that such traits will not be possible due to the vast ways genetics work. Unless there is a specific and safe way to scientifically implement these traits, then the hopes and dreams that a couple could hold would completely wash out. All in all, both scientists and parents could single-handedly put together “the perfect baby” based on their desired preferences. Prior to the Human Genome Project as well as the invention of CRISPR, these capabilities and possibilities would be just a mere dream with no sign of probable accomplishment. However, now that there have been revolutionary discoveries, inventions, and vital work put forth, the possibility of designer babies has become a concept that is bound to become a product of the future. The Fertility Institutes’ own website even states that couples can undergo “the actual fertility procedure that will allow our scientists and physicians to examine the embryos you produce with in vitro fertilization to determine which, if any of the embryos carry the genes necessary to greatly increase the chance of the chosen eye color.” This description clearly instructs the most common individuals of both the capabilities of their company and the requirements to thoroughly proceed with such a practice. Later, the website’s home page reveals an even more shocking yet fascinating possibility when it states, “We allow parents the opportunity to enter the program to produce embryos destined to be tested for general genetic health (euploidy), gender if desired and specific eye color genes” (Steinberg).

Moreover, the ability to enhance desirable traits, such as intelligence, athleticism, or resistance to common diseases presents opportunities for improving human well-being and quality of life. This would very clearly strike the common reader as one of the most fascinating facts about the scientific field of genetics in this day and age but at the same time it can additionally be considered one of the scariest possibilities as it continues to develop in the near future. However, the ethical concerns this raises are off the charts as both scientists and medical professionals can collectively put together a perfect human if they so choose to.

All in all, the debate on the moral side of how genetic engineering can and should be used comes down to two main fields. These areas include both science and ethics. The explanations as it relates to human genetic engineering will strike any individual in the world, regardless of their religious affiliations, as suspect as it relates to considering the practice completely ethical or moral. All types of people, no matter their beliefs, religions, or opinionated histories, will certainly think twice before accepting a practice so immense into our current culture. Therefore, decisions must be made. Decisions regarding how much the practice should be performed, if any at all. Decisions about who gets such a privilege compared to who does not. Decisions as to how we as people define the ultimate meaning of life. As we look across the world and across cultures today, it is clear to see that many of these significant decisions are already being made in a strong manner. A few of these decisions involve legitimate banning of such practices in multiple areas of the world. According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, “As of 2014, there were about 40 countries that discouraged or banned research on germline editing, including 15 nations in Western Europe, because of ethical and safety concerns. There is also an international effort led by the US, UK, and China to harmonize regulation of the application of genome editing technologies” (Green).

Not only around the world, but also within the church, many of these decisions are being made as it relates to the Pew Research Center’s reporting on the division of America when it comes to discussing the issue of genetic enhancement. The writers of the article state, “When it comes to their potential use to enhance human health over the course of a lifetime by reducing a baby’s risk of getting serious diseases or conditions, as many Americans think this would be a bad idea for society as say it would be a good idea. The public is also closely divided over whether they would want this for their own baby” (Raine, Funk, Anderson & Tyson). The division of both the American individual and Christians as a group on this pressing issue is clear.

This stark division is why now more than ever, Christians of the church must be involved in the issue of human genetic modification. Christians must have a pivotal voice in the fight against such unethical practices for a plethora of reasons but perhaps most significantly in part to the creation mandate, which clearly states in the Bible to be “fruitful and multiply, and to fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1:28). Given these orders by God himself, Christians today are of the utmost responsibility to care for the earth and all of its people in a way that glorifies God and continues to respect his creation in an orderly manner.

Therefore, to genetically modify a human being in the ways being discussed, would reveal humanity not taking care of God’s creation but actually defining it for themselves. By altering the very code that makes us who we are, it is no longer what it was before. Another reason why Christians must have one of the strongest voices in this issue is because of both the biblical perspective and motives that they bring to the table. Many of the brilliant minds in the scientific field who are in the trenches of the performed therapies that are utilized to accomplish the goals discussed previously have very clearly poured their whole life into work such as this yet do not stand on the foundations of a daily-walking Christian. This is an unfortunate fact yet reveals all the more reason for the churches’ involvement in such matters. For one, there need to be more Christians within the scientific community. In addition, the ones that are there, need to utilize much more of their voice to speak from a biblical perspective .

One final reason as to why it is crucial to bring in both a Christian perspective and opinion is the reasons that people who live for the church bring to every situation. The scientist at the top making such decisions on real people’s lives as it relates to cutting into their DNA to either cure a disease or enhance features may do such performances for selfish reasons or for potential outlets of greed. For example, both the fame and clout that would come to an individual by genetically modifying another human being would prove extremely impressive on said scientist’s track record. Another motive could be financial gain as the entire field of gene editing is a pricey business. However, walking the Chrisitian walk when approaching any issue in the world today, if done correctly, results in motives of goodness, peace, and unselfish outcomes. Incorporating such vital intentions into one’s everyday walk, would lead a scientist to speak up for the sick and powerless. From all of this, it is clear the vital position and role that Christians play in the human genetic engineering issue. Yet perhaps greater than all of these reasons lies two of the most significant concepts to consider, which are a pair of beliefs that stem from all the way back to the Garden of Eden: those of the Imago Dei and playing God.

The Imago Dei is a term that originated in Latin in the world of theology. The Imago Dei translates to the “image of God”, and means just those the concept puts an emphasis on all of humanity that steps onto earth being a product of the hands of the Creator. Being made in the image and likeness of God distinctly separates us as humans from the rest of creation. (Resurrection Church). The Imago Dei concept is perhaps the most crucial theme that our world needs today simply due to the significant amount of issues that result due to the violation of such a concept. There are many occurrences in today’s world that honor the Imago Dei. For example, the protests that took place at the height of our nation’s division due to the murder of a black man on the streets all went to show truly how passionate individuals are to stand up for that kind of injustice in direct violation of the image of God. Yet at the same time the violence of the protest as well as the violence of the murder itself undoubtedly shows how easily humans can be in absolute violation of such a theme.

In Genesis, it is of great clarity and emphasis that Christ communicates with man through the Bible of their ultimate purpose and origin in life. Genesis 1:27 communicates “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Holy Bible, English Standard Version). Simply put, every human being on earth is made in the image and likeness of their Creator known as God. Because of the worth that is already established by being made in the image of God, every human in the world is worthy of inherent dignity. The characteristics, features, and traits that each human is born with are tied directly to who they are as people and is key to their genuine identity. The performance of genetic engineering takes away the Imago Dei theme from others when it contradicts the plan that God has intended for humanity. When the process is used for designing, enhancing humans outside of God’s image, is when it truly violates the Imago Dei. Enhancements such as genetic features, designed features that would not be possible on their own, are clear indicators of when the practice has truly crossed the ethical line.

In addition to potentially violating the Imago Dei, genetic engineering in humans can also potentially put scientists in a position where they are “playing God”. The act of playing God occurs when humans of the world take matters that should be in the hands of God into their own for their own benefits. By doing this, we are violating one of the single greatest tasks we are given in this world, and that is to both honor and glorify Christ in all that we do. For example, attempting to create or give specific features to humans that were not originally destined to receive such features can clearly come across as acts of scientists playing God as clear as day. God holds the power to create, edit, and enhance. Scientists who take those capabilities into their own hands have ultimately then taken the authority upon themselves.

While the discussion persuading the world to prevent the practices of genetic engineering in humans is strong, there are counterarguments that must be taken into account as every perspective must be considered. One such perspective is the fact that curing diseases through genetic engineering is a way of healing, which is backed up biblically. Someone might say that all defects should automatically be removed. However, there are two challenges to this statement. One includes Nazi Germany, while the other touches on a specific disease known as Trisomy 21.

During the Holocaust, genetic engineering was present yet in a different form as gene organization was heavily utilized as the society desired a certain build, hair color, and skin tone because they felt as though other features were considered genetic defects. The overall problem with this becomes that some superior individual within the world becomes the one who decides what is considered a genetic defect and what is not. While the practice today involves high-end technology, concepts, and elements difficult for any individual to understand, it is in fact the modern version of genetic manipulation. The development of the practice is something to truly marvel at but more importantly consider whether or not the practice back then was an acceptable aspect of society or not. Individuals in that age, outside of the Nazi party, expressed little to no support for the practices that happened to be occurring and took actions that could potentially bring an end to it all. If there was no support for the practice back then, why should we as individuals support it now? Of course, there are always exceptions. For example, the resources and technology utilized in genetic engineering can also be used to potentially prevent diseases. This logically explains the skyrocketing of support for such use. However, all in all, the practice remains the same: to manipulate and drive what is ultimately produced. Of course, there is a significant difference between the historic version and the modern version, but if we do not at least consider the facts of how the support for such ideas has developed, then perhaps we as people are not thinking in the correct manner with the appropriate mindset. This is ultimately why the Christian involvement is crucial in a situation such as this.

Along the lines of genetic defects, Trisomy 21, also known as Down Syndrome, presents another argument worth intense consideration. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia explains the syndrome cause by stating, “Down syndrome occurs because of the extra copy of chromosome 21, which can cause the body and brain to develop differently than a child without the syndrome.” Some of the problems that are common as a result of this genetic issue include intellectual disabilities, facial features, heart and kidney issues, and vision and hearing impairments (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia). Genetic editing could possibly rid the world of Trisomy 21 completely someday in the future. But should we? According to The National Library of Medicine once again, people who suffer from the condition of Down Syndrome are relentlessly “happy”. In fact, the article continues to explain that “some individuals with Down syndrome seem to possess an unusual personality aspect that calls out the best in others.” Calling out the best in others is an attribute worth preserving because of the unselfish and sacrificial elements it provides to an already broken world. This is ultimately one of the primary goals for those who profess to follow Jesus. Once again, this proves to be a strong call for Christians to become involved in all areas of the gene editing discussion.

Another concern that could come across as rather unique yet opens the door for a whole other discussion includes the difficulties of equitable access to genetic technologies and interventions for each individual. The question then becomes: will genetic enhancements worsen already existing social injustices? This could potentially widen the gap between the genetically privileged and disadvantaged. Ensuring equal access to genetic therapies and interventions is crucial to preventing further division between such social classes, which should even be a factor in the first place. The National Institutes of Health website both outlines and discusses such inequalities and lists one-time treatments of non-CRISPR gene therapies next to a cost of a minimum of $450,000 and a potential max of around $2 million per treatment (National Library of Medicine). The costs of such procedures and enhancements are currently off the charts as it relates to the average American families’ capability of affording such a decision. This very clearly reveals that a certain family’s income compared to another could be a potential difference in determining who gets to have access to such genetic luxuries and who does not. For example, it is extremely possible that a couple such as Elliott and Lauren could possess enough financial stability to afford a procedure for their child to take on an abundance of what can be considered “unnecessary features”. While at the same time, a child like Henry, whose family might often struggle to make ends meet would be left to die from a genetic disease such as cystic fibrosis.

Overall, the discussion of the rights and wrongs of human genetic engineering varies on so many levels. There is an abundance of strong arguments that can be made to either justify or tear down the fact that such a practice is both utilized and promoted within the United States in this day and age. It has been thoroughly stated throughout the discussion that the Christian involvement in such a topic is pivotal in bringing about both clarity and significant truths to the conversation. Once again, it is ultimately both the factors of science and ethics that Christians must utilize to come to a foundational conclusion as it relates to where the line should be drawn on this particular issue.

The stories of Henry, Elliot, and Lauren can continue to be significant analogies as while they may not be true specific situations in the world today, there are thousands of stories just like them. The longing to cure diseases that are otherwise labeled incurable is a circumstance that occurs every single day, considering just how many diseases are rampant throughout the areas of the country. The desire to enhance certain genetic traits for the sake of attractiveness or simply just unwanted features is a very real occurrence as well. Both of these desires stem from violations of two of the most significant theological concepts that have occurred since the beginning of time in the Imago Dei and the act of taking the place of God.

What all this goes to inevitably show is that the issue of human genetic engineering is an issue full of great promise. It is an issue full of great potential for curing diseases which proves so much good for the world today. It is an issue that can give many that miraculous chance for a “normal life”. At the same time, it is an issue full of great peril. It is an issue full of dangerous consequences in how it opens a door for humans to play God, taking matters into their own hands rather than relying on the Creator. Somewhere in between the promise and the peril of this ongoing, worldwide issue is a line that must inevitably be drawn. Will that line ultimately be drawn by Christian scientists motivated by the principles of the Bible or will it be drawn by scientists motivated by self-fame and financial promises? Human genetic engineering, a miraculous and revolutionary feat of our generation, deserves the perfect answer which may not always result in the perfect baby.

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