7C Science began its Genetics's unit with a discussion about the ethics of hypothetical situations involving Genetic Science. Respond by commenting at the end of this post and tell us more about your thoughts on one of the discussion points. It's worth extra credit!
1. You've found out that the child you (or your wife) carries has the gene for dwarfism. A new therapy exists that may repair this gene before the child is born. What would you do?
58% would allow the child to be born with the dwarfism gene
42% would try the therapy to change the gene
2. Would you eat tomatoes that had a gene spliced (genetic engineering) into them that made them bigger?
33% would eat them
47% would not eat them
20% say it's not right to fool with Mother Nature!
3. Would you clone a pet dog that had died?
34% would clone the dead pet
66% said to let dead dogs lie!
4.Designer babies. Would you take advantage of science that let you choose the genes/traits of your child to make them smarter, more attractive, etc?
17% would go for the designer baby
48% say to let nature take its course
35% would change genes to insure good health
5. Cloning is perfected! If you needed a kidney transplant would you clone yourself to get the perfect match?
54% said "No way!"
46% would clone themselves for the transplant
6. Do you support the idea that government keep all citizen's DNA scans on file for a national database?
13% are OK with the idea
20% said no DNA maps for everyone
67% said the maps would be a good idea for criminals only
7. Would you add genes to your body to make yourself smarter, more athletic, etc?
37% would
63% would not
8. Should insurance companies be allowed to do genetic testing to determine in a person is a high risk for disease?
26% say NO!
37% say, yes.
37% would sue any company that tried it
