Keele Research Repository

Genetic modification in humans, non-human animals, and plants gives rise to a range of philosophical and ethical issues. There are a range of techniques and applications for genetic modification, but all are intended to change the genome within the cells of an organism. This poses problems to do with interfering with the natural, safety and risk considerations, impacts upon welfare and social justice, and determining whether genetic modification is needed or merely wanted. Within these broad areas, there are also particular issues regarding definitions of health and disease, employing a precautionary stance, and determining which perspectives are over- or under-estimated in debates.