Michael Tucker

February 24, 2016

ENC 1102 Dr. Taylor
Research Paper Proposal

Advancements with Genetically Modified Human Embryos

Stem cell research, and more specifically on modifying human
embryos, has been a very controversial topic around the world since the
practices inception. Researchers engaged in this field say looking into
genetically modifying human embryos could aid in further making great
advances in the prevention of both congenital and acquired diseases, among
other things. Albeit with its apparent ethical issues, stem cell research with a
focus on genetically modified human embryos has the potential to help
thousands, if not millions, of people throughout the world.
In the United Kingdom, there is a government institution named the
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) who overlooks the use
of gametes and embryos in fertility treatment and research. Recently HFEA
approved a license application to Dr. Kathy Niakan, a stem cell scientist at
the Francis Crick Institute in London, to preform genome editing on human
embryos. With this license, Dr. Niakan is permitted to study human embryos
for 14 days for research purposes only. Paul Nurse, director of the HFEA, said
Dr. Niakans proposed research is important for understanding how a
healthy human embryos develop by looking at the very earliest stage of

human development one to seven days. The modified embryos, however,

will not be permitted to be placed within females due to ethical issues and
possible health risks.
China has also taken advances with genetically modified human
embryos. Chinese scientists used non-viable embryos, those that cannot
result in a live birth, in attempting to modify a gene for a fatal blood disorder,
affecting over 100,000 people worldwide. This type of research could provide
mankind with cures for diseases like cystic fibrosis or Huntingtons disease. I
believe that with further investigation into multiple countries research
regarding genetically modified human embryos, I will find a greater amount
of benefits rather than I will drawbacks. The research that I have done thus
far has shown immense promise for the future of genetically modified human
embryos and many diseases and ailments could be eradicated completely
from the entire human genome.
Yes, I am all for the advancement in stem cell research and that of
genetically modified human embryos, but there are still numerous people
taking the opposite stand, against the entire idea due to ethical reasons. I
can completely understand where theyre coming from, and upon further
research I hope to gain more insight into why they believe such
advancements in science is so wrong. Looking at both sides of the story,
rather than taking a biased standpoint, will give me a greater understanding
of this topic and will greatly benefit my writing as a researcher.

Works Cited

Brown, Hannah. World's first genetically modified human embryo raises

ethical concerns . 26 April 2015. 24 February 2016.
<http://theconversation.com/worlds-first-genetically-modified-humanembryo-raises-ethical-concerns-40766>
Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority. How we regulate (treatment
and research). n.d. 24 February 2016. <www.hfea.gov.uk/161.htm>
Siddique, Haroon. British researchers get green light to genetially modify
human embryos. 1 February 2016. 24 February 2016.
<https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/feb/01/human-embryogenetic-modify-regulator-green-light-research>