Evolution Quote by Mark Walport
“Many families would like to avoid burdening future generations with inherited diseases such as haemophilia or severe developmental disorders. But most would think it wrong to edit the genes that influence the 'normal' range of human variation, from eye colour to intelligence or athletic ability.”
About This Quote
The quote discusses ethical concerns about using genetic editing to prevent serious inherited diseases versus editing traits considered normal human variation.
In simple terms: Genetic editing raises moral questions about disease prevention versus enhancing normal traits.
Key Takeaway
Weigh disease prevention against altering normal human traits.
Themes
ethics
genetics
future generations
medicine
societal values
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- clinical genetics
- family planning
- policy making
- public debate
Key Concepts
bioethics
genetic engineering
eugenics
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What diseases are ethically acceptable to prevent?
- How do we define “normal” variation?
A Different Perspective
Balancing disease eradication with respect for human diversity is complex.
![“Perhaps no order of mammals presents us with so extraordinary a series of gradations as this [step by step, from humans to apes to monkeys to lemurs] - leading us insensibly from the crown and summit of the animal creation down to creatures, from which there is but a step, as it seems, to the…” quote by Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0b/thomas-huxley-1183_animal_perhaps-no-order-of-mammals-presents-us_3051.jpg)
