The Ethics of Genetic Intervention: Human Research and Blurred Species Boundaries

From Chance to Choice: Genetics and Justice1 is a well-written and tightly argued analysis. This Essay addresses two topics meriting more attention than they received from these authors. First, this Essay considers in greater detail a topic the book briefly addresses—the human research necessary to support clinical use of genetic interventions. What appears as simply a step along the way to clinical benefits may actually present serious impediments.

Second, this Essay expands on a point the authors mentioned only in passing. They noted that developments in genetics are blurring traditional species boundaries. Blurred boundaries between humans and other species raise questions about our moral obligations in applying genetic interventions.