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HUMAN-ANIMAL EMBRYOS
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AHB QUERY: Although the creation of human-animal embryos is well underway it is not broadly discussed; and much less discussed is the possibility of allowing hybrid embryos to develop beyond currently recommended limits. Do you feel there should be more public awareness?
The analysis of Princeton University biologist Lee Silver on human genetic engineering more generally, below, may be relevant to such consideration. (running time: under 7 minutes)
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Dear
Please propose legislation to prohibit the creation of human-animal hybrid embryos.
Genetic alteration of human embryos brings us closer to production of individuals tailored to a specific purpose. The prospect of eliminating “flaws” and enhancing “virtues” of offspring (“designer babies”) constitutes morally objectionable experimentation on human subjects and should be prohibited.
Moreover, self-imposed, non-binding, and unenforceable 14 day limits on hybrid embryo development put forth by self-selected groups like the National Academies of Science are not based on any sharp scientific boundary. They are, therefore, provisional. There is no obvious stopping point. Some will encourage development of hybrid embryos to late term or even birth because, not being entirely human, they would be available for experimentation. But commodification of such entities erodes the integrity of the human species itself and with it the values of a just society.
Finally, it is not possible to know that human-animal hybrid embryos will yield stem cells, tissues, or organs that will carry no virus or other infectious agent harmful to humans. The existence, for example, of prions—the biological agent that causes “mad cow disease” in cattle and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans—was entirely unanticipated.
Sincerely,
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