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The Merge of Biotechnology and Bioethics: Where is the Line?
Ever since the discovery of the shape of DNA, biotechnology has developed and advanced at an astonishing rate. It is now the age in which the Morse Code for computers is now applicable to the biotech-world.
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to read a book titled Visions by Michio Kaku, an eminent physicist, on what he thought was in store for the future. Of the many sections, I most carefully read the bio-molecular section of the book. Below, I will list just a few of his bold predictions.
In the next 20 years, we will all be able to possess CDs that contain our DNA sequence. In this CD, we will be able to discover what diseases we will be susceptible to, our life expectancies, and even what traits we are most likely to pass on to our next generation. In the next 50 years, we will be able to cure almost every kind of cancer by analyzing the shapes and weaknesses of the deadly virus. Finally, in the next 100 years, we will be able to discover the secret to youth, and be free to manipulate the genes of our children, giving birth to what will be called, “designer children.” (140-240)
Now, almost 10 years from the point the book was written, I am astonished to see that much of what he wrote has already become reality. Ever since the completion of the Human Genome Project, scientists have strove to find the cures for the most deadly diseases that have ailed mankind, coming up with some astounding discoveries. Research into the building of artificial organs is the rage and so is the race to find the cure for aging.
Amidst this environment, one man made a giant leap forward, shedding light into a revolutionary approach that was greatly feared by Kaku. His research has brought along great controversy as to whether it will be more beneficial or detrimental in the future. This man is Dr. Hwang Woo-Suk.
Dr. Hwang and his team's production of stem cells from cloned human embryos in 2004, was considered a major step toward eventually treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease and spinal cord injuries. His team also cloned a dog, an Afghan named Snuppy, who appeared on the cover of Time magazine, which declared his team's feat this year's most amazing invention.
News reports emphasized the significance of the research, quoting scientists, medical experts and researchers who expressed their admiration for the Korean research team. Hwang’s research is being called a “scientific breakthrough” in producing stem cells from cloned human embryos, which are specifically tailored for individual patients. (Garcia, B2)
Recently, however, Dr, Hwang made a shocking statement that he was going to step down from his position as the director of a new research center, apologizing for lying about some of the sources of the ova donations used in his work. Dr. Hwang's fall is a great blow to South Korea, where he had become the modern, high-tech face that the nation was seeking to project to the world. He appeared in national promotional campaigns. Korean Air recently declared him a "national treasure," giving him and his wife first-class tickets for a decade. (Brook, A5)
What exactly was it, that forced Dr, Hwang to make such an abrupt exit to such a brilliant career? What was it that he did wrong? Some of the accusations have centered on the issue of the payment of the egg donors. Other accusations center on the rumor that the women who donated were not adequately informed of the risks, and that the donors included subordinate women who worked in Hwang’s lab. However, the most important issue is that he lied to the press as to where he obtained the ova for his research. While it is generally not a good thing to lie and doing so to journalists is never a good strategy, a more serious ethical breach may also have occurred if Hwang had lied to the editors of Science in response to the queries that they would likely have made. (Magnus)
As technology continues to advance, I believe it is becoming increasingly important to draw ethical lines in the direction and procedures of research. Dr, Hwang is clearly guilty of lying and using means that are considered “unethical” by Korean standards, to continue his research. While his research can be put to great use, the direction of his research is still very controversial because many people can exploit the technology for unethical purposes, such as the cloning of humans or even the production of a biological monster. Nobody knows for certain the full scope as to where his research may lead which is exactly why so many people fear it. However, my belief is that no matter how much people oppose him, stem-cell research will not and cannot be stopped. Even if scientists feel that their research will bring dire consequences, they will refuse to stop, fearing they will be left behind in what has now become a global race. The sudden surge in the biomedical industry is another factor. The next big boom in business will most likely be in biotechnology and businesses and governments worldwide will want to take full advantage of the opportunity. Because everything is so business and money oriented, even in such pressing issues, something revolutionary must come up fast. Bioethics will have to be strongly emphasized once more, and the world will have to come up with a way to cooperate in drawing that marginal line, the line that can separate benefit from disaster.
Resources
Books
Kaku, Michio. Visions: How Science will Revolutionize the 21st Century. New York Anchor Books 1997
Beauchamp, Tom L, and Walters. Leroy. Contemporary Issues in Bioethics. 5th ed. California: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company; 1999
Newspapers
Brook, James. “Korean Leaves Cloning Center in Ethics Furor.” The New York Times, 25 Nov. 2005, late ed., sec. A5
Garcia, Cathy Rose A. “World Hails Hwang Woo-suk’s Success in Human Cell Cloning.” The Korea Times 20 May 2005, late ed., sec.A2
Websites
Nam, Dorothy. “Dr. Hwang Woo-suk: the 'Stem Cell' Man.” SCI News 2004 4 June 2004, Spinal Cord Injury Zone, 27 Nov. 2005
-http://news.thescizone.com/archives/000140print.html
Magnus, David. “What Went Wrong in South Korea and What Should We Learn from It?” bioethics.net 28 Nov. 2005, Editorial Blog, 30 Nov. 2005
-http://blog.bioethics.net/2005/11/what-went-wrong-in-south-korea-and.html
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