Genetic Engineering: Modern Progress or Future Peril?

USA TODAY's Debate: Voices and Perspectives

by Linda Tagliaferro

Genetic engineering has become a polarizing issue for political parties as well as ordinary citizens. Some people think it is progressive science that will help humanity deal with such world-wide problems as famine and disease. Other people strongly disagree. They say the effects of genetic engineering on the environment and public health make it a danger. There is also an on-going debate about the ethics of manipulating nature to such a degree. Making sense of the issues involves looking at the facts, studying the statistics, examining the laws, and listening to views on all sides of the debate. It also means asking tough questions: - Does an individual actually own their DNA? - Is animal experimentation worthwhile if it potentially saves human lives? - Is genetic engineering 'Playing God'? - Are there health risks to eating genetically modified foods? To answer these questions, this book looks at the history and use of genetic engineering, as well as regulatory laws and court cases. It provides the opinions and perspectives of scientists, ecologists, corporate interests, religious leaders, politicians and professors on all sides of the issue. It also presents the experiences of people directly affected by genetic engineering, such as researchers, farmers, and patients receiving gene therapy. Supplemented with quotes, anecdotes, and discussions from the pages of USA Today, The Nation's # 1 Newspaper, this book will broaden your understanding of all sides of the issue and help you form your own opinion, either for or against genetic engineering.

160 pages, Library Binding

First published April 1, 1997