Since the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, a cascade of research has made gene therapy a reality. In recent decades, the therapeutic applications of gene therapy have impacted individuals across the world. While gene therapy has merit, its promises are tempered by ethical considerations that warrant a thorough appraisal. In this chapter, I detail the implications of somatic gene therapy at the nexus of three fundamental themes, including (1) the intersection of health, disease, and the human condition; (2) global disparities and associated issues of access and uptake; and (3) the emphasis of and sensitivity to genetics. My goal is to elucidate the ethical considerations of gene therapy while adding context to their uniqueness, probability, and scope, and reframing them in the context of different ethical frameworks or principles. Accordingly, the purpose of this chapter is to share a balanced perspective of the morally salient considerations of gene therapy. The sound deployment of gene therapy further requires that multimodal safeguards are implemented and adhered to across stakeholder groups.

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Navigating the Nuanced Ethical Landscape of Gene Therapy

  • Natalia Wewior

摘要

Since the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, a cascade of research has made gene therapy a reality. In recent decades, the therapeutic applications of gene therapy have impacted individuals across the world. While gene therapy has merit, its promises are tempered by ethical considerations that warrant a thorough appraisal. In this chapter, I detail the implications of somatic gene therapy at the nexus of three fundamental themes, including (1) the intersection of health, disease, and the human condition; (2) global disparities and associated issues of access and uptake; and (3) the emphasis of and sensitivity to genetics. My goal is to elucidate the ethical considerations of gene therapy while adding context to their uniqueness, probability, and scope, and reframing them in the context of different ethical frameworks or principles. Accordingly, the purpose of this chapter is to share a balanced perspective of the morally salient considerations of gene therapy. The sound deployment of gene therapy further requires that multimodal safeguards are implemented and adhered to across stakeholder groups.