Ethics and genetics: the morals of corrective genetic medicine

Abstract

This paper sorts out the debate about corrective genetic medicine (the genetic interventions in human beings) and analyses the main objections against i: (1) the accusation of eugenics and (2) the possibility of increasing discrimination and social inequality. The first objection was answered by means of the distinction between authoritarian and liberal eugenics and by the criticism of the distinction between therapy and enhancement. To the second objection was provided the liberal answer by means of the discussion of the principles of genetic justice. Therefore, the main moral questions about corrective genetic medicine are: (a) do genetic interventions threaten the moral community? and (b) how to avoid the undesirable social consequences of genetic interventions? Although the respect for the future child’s autonomy and the interest in social justice puts ethical limits on this kind of intervention, the conclusion was that the corrective genetic medicine should not be forbidden.