Rapid progress in the fields of genetics and gene therapy are likely to have profound effects on people’s lives in the foreseeable future. By altering people’s genetic make-up, it may be possible for doctors to cure hereditary diseases, and for parents to choose important characteristics for their children such as their sex or level of intelligence. Such a development would be a major breakthrough for humanity and would solve many present-day problems.

Genetically enhanced people have been seen only in books and movies so far, but with the fast development in genetics nowadays, it’s just a matter of time when they will become reality. Until that happens, the only thing we can do is to ask ourselves what are the good and the bad sides of tampering with people’s genes.

                First of all, many diseases could be cured. There are a lot of conditions and illnesses that are inherited from parents and other relatives, for instance colour blindness or Huntington’s disease. With the help of gene therapy, these could be averted. As a result, people would live longer and the quality of their lives would be better.

                Additionally, parents would be able to choose the sex of their child. Therefore, they will be happier, since their wish came true. However, the number of girls and boys born would change and it may become a problem in some countries. Parents would also be able to change the level of intelligence of their children. The upside of this possibility is the fact that the more intelligent the child is, the chances of success in his or hers life are greater. Nevertheless, the parents would put a big pressure on their child because they would know its abilities. It would be better to say that with some solved, new problems will emerge.

                With the ability to alter people’s genetic make-up and their characteristics, comes the question of manipulation and abuse. A few mistakes can be made here and there. New diseases can be developed and be given to people”by accident” during gene therapy.

                There is no question that people will alter their genes to improve themselves. Consequently, many problems will be solved. In spite of that, many more problems will appear.