Moral Dilemma: Is Mixing Species Right?
HONG KONG, January 8, 2015 — As a doctor and social scientist, Professor Robert Klitzman gave a thought-provoking speech about the moral dilemmas of gene crossing and its controversial use in modifying human and animal genetics. According to Klitzman, genetic crossing between species in the medial sciences field are gaining momentum. The increased use of genetically-modified crops, cloning of species and the proposal of establishing a “bio bank” are just a few examples of the “major socio-ethical issues” that Klitzman speaks of.
Despite expressing personal emotional discomfort when confronted with the complex issue, Klitzman acknowledges the superior medical advancement that gene-experimentation can bring. But he also reminded the audience on the dilemmas surrounding the modification of genes — social ethical issues, legal implications, and the danger of commercial capitalization of genes along with its derivative medical services.
Event information: Are We Our Genes?: Mixing Species in Science and Art
Video: Watch Professor Klitzman's complete talk (1 hr., 2 min.)