Genetic Engineering - Is it right or wrong?

 This topic has caused many conflicts between society recently - but what are your views?

Firstly, I'd like to run through some benefits, such as how it's much more animal friendly to use Genetic Engineering. For example, you will no longer have to sacrifice animals to gain cells, organs etc - or do any tests upon the animals themselves! Due to this, it will make the situation more appealing to animal lovers as animals will now be removed from the equation. It will also contribute to a positive feeling towards that particular industry if we know we're now saving lives.

Another aspect to consider is that bacteria is not a limited source/supply. This means that we can produce and experiment on as many bacteria we can handle which would therefore increase the number of methods and experiments - leading to a higher chance of finding cures (for diseases etc.)

A final advantage would be that bacteria cells multiply rapidly in ideal conditions. This would be useful because when you would like more cells to experiment with, it's very quick and easy to then get hold of some more. Also, once you have found a cure, for example, you no longer require the record of exact stages you've carried out in order to create a 'second batch', but instead you can produce identical copies of the cells by reproducing the cells under Mitosis - when under Mitosis, the cell splits into two identical cells.

After considering those positive facts, they're also some disadvantages with Genetic Engineering. For example, the bacteria cells cannot be completely controlled which will make people feel uneasy about the experiments as it's impossible to predict the correct outcome and so if something does escape, it could be lethal.

Following on from this, another disadvantage is the risks involved. If something lethal does escape, it cannot be recaptured and will potentially spread across the entire world. As you can't predict how dangerous it can be this will scare the public - hence individuals negative opinion on this industry.

The final disadvantage I would like to mention, is that Christians believe it's meddling with God's creation. God has created us how we are and so strongly think it's against his will to then tamper with his creations and so will not approve. They also believe that you shouldn't tamper with his will in that if God has decided this is when he wants you to die, it is not your place to go against it. They believe you should always accept and have faith in his decisions.

As you can see, there are many strong arguments to either side of the debate. On one hand we're being told we'd be saving lives of the animals - which immediately persuades me into thinking Genetic Engineering is the better option, however if the Genetic Engineering reached extremities (such as leaking out of the laboratories) who's to say what damage it will cause - is it worth the risk?