Germ-Line Intervention and Our Responsibilities to Future Generations

In contemporary ethical discussion widespread concern about the potential risks of genetic engineering is raising new and fundamental questions about our responsibilities towards unborn generations. Newly acquired knowledge in genetic engineering techniques has brought about not only potential benefits but also immense risks for the well-being of both present and future generations. This text raises a number of ethical issues concerning the impact of genetic engineering on generations yet to be born. The four topical areas that constitute the focus of the volume, namely (1) from laboratory to germ-line therapy, (2) the concept of human nature: theological and secular perspectives, (3) genetic intervention and the common heritage view, and (4) social responsibilities of geneticists towards future generations, raise intriguing ethical and legal questions, as well as important policy issues. As much as any set of issues, they reflect the hopes and fears, prejudices and uncertainties that people associate with germ-line intervention and the future of human kind.