Issues and Ethics in Biotechnology

ETHICS Set of moral principles governing an individual’s action Reflects morality (perception of what is right) Essential in making decisions

BIOETHICS Ethics relating to biology and medicine “…ethical analysis of normative problems in the biomedical sciences, medical practices, and health care management.” Moral issues brought about by biological advances

Pest Resistance: Bt Corn

Herbicide Tolerance “Roundup Ready”

Enhanced Nutrition Golden rice

Issues of plant GMOs GM crops may have adverse effects on human consumers Modified DNA from GM crops may spread to non-modified crops with bad consequences Weeds and pests may adapt and mutate to attack the GM crops, leading to more vicious weeds and pests

GM Animals Fast-growing salmon

Issues about transgenic animals GM animals may damage wild populations GM animals may disrupt the ecological balance GM animals may have adverse effects on human consumers

Ethical Arguments About Biotechnology Intrinsic: Biotechnology is good/bad in itself Extrinsic: Biotechnology is good/bad because of: its consequences the motivations behind: advocacy of biotech or opposition to biotech

PRINCIPLE-BASED BIOETHICS ETHICAL PRINCIPLES AUTONOMY – Right to freely participate in/decide on a course of action (no undue influence) BENEFICENCE – Promote the wellbeing of others (e.g. in the best interest of the client) NONMALEFICENCE – Avoiding harm JUSTICE – Fairness and equality

Key Principles Principle 1. Respect for persons/Autonomy 2. Beneficence 3. Justice 4. Non-maleficence Application 1. Informed consent 2. Assessment of risks/benefits 3. Fair selection of subjects 4. Assuring no harm to subjects Notable in that research ethics guidelines were expanded to cover all research

Intrinsic Arguments Against Biotechnology Premise: Genetic engineering is unnatural. Conclusion: Therefore, genetic engineering is intrinsically wrong. Is this a good argument?

Extrinsic Arguments About Biotechnology Biotechnology is good/bad because of its consequences. Three ways to evaluate consequences: Do no harm (avoid bad consequences). Maximize good consequences and minimize bad ones for all affected. Justice: Fair distribution of good and bad consequences among all affected.

Extrinsic Arguments About Biotechnology Biotechnology is good/bad because of the motivations of its proponents/opponents.

Extrinsic Arguments About Biotechnology Environmental consequences Human health consequences Who benefits? Who decides?

Issues in DNA Sequencing DNA sequencing – unmask the tendency to acquire a genetic disease Pros The individual can make lifestyle changes earlier to avoid disease The individual can apply for genetic treatment for such a disease Earlier detection can possibly help in psychological adjustments

Issues in DNA Sequencing Cons The genetic data can be used by others for nefarious purposes If not guarded properly, the genetic data can become public Insurance companies may use the genetic data against the owner Fear of the possibility of genetic discrimination

Issues in Intellectual property Who owns the right to the GMO? Is the intellectual property ownership fair? Was the intellectual property claim legitimate and proper? Will commercialization of the GMO/biotechnology lead to unfair practices?

EXERCISE Scientists at a government research institute in the Philippines have developed the Ultimate Rice in their work funded by Blackstar Industries. Ultimate Rice is a breed of rice capable of surviving floods and droughts, resistant to pests, fast-growing, and with high levels of vitamins. However, Blackstar Industries wants to market the rice on the market. The government wants to sell it cheap, while farmers want the government to give it to them for free.

EXERCISE Defend your positions as the: Scientists who developed the Ultimate Rice (Sysim) Blackstar Industries (Luchavez) Farmers looking to grow the Ultimate Rice (De la Roca) The government research institute (Lavina) Government agency on intellectual property (Ariola)