The High Cost of Genetic Engineering Genetic research on human embryos, in correlation with the human genome, is key to gene therapy, genetic diagnosis and even for genetically modified humans. Knowing which gene controls which trait and causes which genetic disease will provide doctors with a powerful tool to treat their patients at the molecular level. On the other hand, this allows people to manipulate genes to improve specific traits or create the perfect child. Genetic research on human embryos has two implications. A practical one in therapeutic research (to identify and hopefully correct genetic defects), and then the potential to allow parents to decide what their child should look like (or, in an extreme word, eugenics). The first, which is wishful thinking at the moment, will be a reality in the future if the technology becomes feasible. Assuming we did genetic engineering for positive and medicinal purposes, this would require germline therapy, eliminating the need for constant somatic care. cell therapy. Germline therapy is the process of replacing genes, while somatic cell therapy adds genes and hopes they replicate at a higher rate than others. Possible targets for genetic engineering would be genetic diseases, such as Huntington's (The benefits of genetic engineering) and Parkinson's, those that have been shown to be linked to genetic predisposition, such as cancer (Ao, 140), psychological disorders such as schizophrenia (Bernstein, 518), and severe birth defects (Resta). However, there are disadvantages to these treatments. Examples include undue suffering to subjects due to botched gene engineering (Wolfson), also known as the Frankenstein factor, psychological trauma associated with...... middle of paper .......edu/hdsa /huntingtonsdisease .nclkResta, Robert G. Genetic Counseling: Addressing the Human Impact of Genetic Diseases: http://www.gene.com/ae/AE/AEC/CC/counseling_ background.htmlSaetz, Stephen. 1985. "Eugenics and the Third Reich." The Eugenics Bulletin. Winter.http://www.ziplink.net/~bright/papers/3rdreich.htmlWhat is morally wrong with eugenics: http://www.med.upenn.edu/~bioethic/library/papers/art /EugenicsNotreDame.htmlWolfson, Riccardo. Cloning, Marketing of Life, and God's Game (Part II): http://www.natural-law.ca/genetic/BiotechNov97.htmlJournal articles: Dickman, Steven. "Human embryos carrying altered genes". New Scientist July 1997. Henig, Robin M. "Tempting: If You Could Dictate the Contents of Your Child's Genes, Wouldn't You? Shouldn't You?" Discover May 1998. Pp. 58-64.