Week 7, Group 2 Members: Emma Bauer, Mark Puhaly, Faith Sola, Tameka Stevenson, Kyra Wilson
10.1
Although Professor Sarkar is not making an allegation of misconduct against Dr. Dickerson and the department
inquiry should still be taken. It is quite odd that the post-doctoral trainees are leaving at abrupt periods. As an
institutional research integrity officer, measures should be taken to ensure the integrity of the lab department as well
as proper and non-aggressive or pressurized treatment towards trainees. The lab should be examined for any signs of
incorrect treatment as well as falsified information. The data books should be reviewed against any upcoming or
previous publications. If necessary, a higher order can become involved. It is good to remember Proverbs 12:22
(ESV): “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
10.3
Both Joshua and Ellen’s actions yield problems. We agree with Ellen that Joshua’s methods of “underexposing”
those particular DNA fragments are falsifying his data. Additionally, Ellen’s method of cropping the image online is
also unscrupulous and can lead to errors, especially since the remaining DNA fragments may be necessary for future
experimentation. Moreover, “falsification is any manipulation that introduces inaccuracies into the research record”
(Macrina, 2014a). Both Joshua and Ellen are involved in various forms of falsification with the manipulation of the
photograph.
According to Macrina (2014b):
If you are using an imaging system in which a digital photograph is generated, a hard copy of the
photograph should be affixed to the databook page along with a notation of the name of the electronic
image file and its storage location. (p. 342-343)
Thus, an original copy of the photo needs to be attached to the databook. To circumvent any issues, we would have
Joshua take an additional picture of the DNA gel analysis, specifically targeting the two small DNA fragments and
attach it to his databook. If that is not possible, he should write a successive explanation for the original picture
recounting the significance of the two small DNA fragments. He might have to attach any additional photographs or
explanations at the end of the databook (or experiment log within the data book); however, he could cross-reference
his reports, as needed.
Wagner
Do you believe any of uses of fetal genetic testing are justified or beneficial? Which uses do you find to be
unethical?
We believe that fetal genetic testing can be both beneficial and justified if conducted properly. For example, genetic
testing prior to birth could be used for infants that are born with birth defects so that we can help to prevent
suffering. Some genetic disorders have life expectancies up over 5 years without true quality of life. However, the
difficulty is where do we draw the line for genetic testing and how do we determine who qualifies for the genetic
testing? For instance, we highly doubt that insurance companies would cover fetal genetic testing. This means that
only those that have the means to pay for this testing would be able to have it performed. We agree that this is not
fair because although someone is unable to afford the testing, it should not prohibit him or her from having this
opportunity, if needed.
We think that using genetic testing to determine the presence of specific diseases or other health issues is a good use
of the testing. However, using the testing to select against specific genes is unethical. We do not think that the
genetic testing should be used to determine specific genes or characteristics that a family’s offspring will have.
Overall, genetic testing can help family’s prepare for important life changes they may have to face if their newborn
is born with major health issues. As Psalm 127: 3-4 states, “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a
reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.”.
Are there significant similarities in arguments against genetic testing? In arguments for genetic testing? Are
there marked differences?
The major argument against genetic testing is that a potential superior race may form if people are able to select for
and against certain genes. This would especially be seen in families that have offspring that were not genetically
modified and some that are. Furthermore, genetic testing would alter the precious designs of the Lord. One may
argue that families may abort children who do not have the gene they would like. We believe the Lord plans and
designs us all before we are in the womb. Therefore, by genetic testing we are altering God’s creations. As
Christians, we should love the creations the Lord has given us. Why do we want to alter the previous gifts the Lord
has taken time to plan and make for us As Jeremiah 1:5 states, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and
before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”.
Is genetic testing ethical?
Of course genetic testing is ethical. Where the gray area is, is in regards to how the information obtained from
genetic testing is used. How is it used and for what gain? Wagner presents many different views on the ethics of
genetic testing – there are those for and against genetic testing. When this information is used for what appears to be
both good and bad, we could shift into the area of “playing God,” especially with fetal genetic testing. 2 Timothy
4:3-4 in The Bible says: For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears
they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the
truth and wander off into myths. (New International Version). People would be following their own selfish desires,
rather than listening to God’s truth and doing his will. Wagner talks about the more powerful of society creating a
possible “perfect” race. Are we going to evolve into CRISPR’g out non-favorable traits and/or CRISPR’g in better,
more favorable traits? This is the dilemma, it could possibly come to this. CRISPR’g and fixing Sickle Cell and
fixing Down Syndrome? Would these be ethical and not bad? I think this would be a great use of genetic testing and
genetic engineering.
How does this relate specifically to neo-eugenics?
Think about what Hitler and the Nazis did with the Jewish people and other people with disabilities (Mostert, 2002).
This is clearly not ethical. And, look at what Iceland did: they “cured” down syndrome? (Quinones & Lajka, 2017).
Not exactly, they did not cure anything, they merely aborted fetuses that genetically tested with an extra
chromosome. Iceland eradicated down syndrome in their country by genetic testing and abortion. Genetic testing
coupled with genetic engineering has the potential to slide down the slippery slope of pushing ethical and moral
boundaries. Are we going to be engineering what we think are superhumans in future? Genetic testing and
engineering must be managed by regulatory agencies. This is similar to what we’ve discussed in the past with
regards to stem cells and other genetic testing/engineering.
Is sex selection ethical?
Sex selection is not ethical. Interfering with the natural order of things opens up the portal of humans seeking
fulfillment of their own will rather than God's will. "There is a theoretical risk that by the widespread selection of
fetuses based on their genetic make up we may risk affecting the genetic mix of our species and exposing the human
race to unforeseen risks" (Wagner, 2008, p.203). Additionally, there is concern for what will happen to unused
embryos. Selecting the sex of child should not take precedence over the disposal of many other potential embryos.
According to Psalms 139:14 (NIV) we are all "fearfully and wonderfully made; [The Lord's] works are wonderful",
thus we should appreciate life's blessings as they come.
Is surrogacy ethical?
Yes, kind of. Surrogacy is a wonderful thing because it brings happiness and the blessing of a baby to person(s) that
may not otherwise be able to conceive, but there still remains the fate of any fertilized eggs that are not used for
implantation. Surrogacy for convenience, rather than for medical reason, is also questionable. "Children are a
heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him" (Psalms 127:3, NIV).
References
Macrina, F. (2014a). Methods, manners, and responsible conduct of research. In Scientific integrity: Text and cases
in responsible conduct of research(4th ed., pp. 1–25). ASM Press.
Macrina, F. (2014b). Scientific record keeping. In Scientific integrity: Text and cases in responsible conduct of
research (4th ed., pp. 329–357). ASM Press.
Mostert, M. P. (2002). Useless eaters: Disability as genocidal marker in Nazi Germany. The Journal of Special
Education, 36(3), 157-170.
Quinones, J. & Lajka, A. (2017). “What kind of society do you want to live in?”: Inside the country where Down
Syndrome is disappearing. Accessed April 28, 2020 from CBSNews. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/down-
syndrome-iceland/
Wagner, V. (2008). Biomedical ethics. Greenhaven Press: Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Note: all members of group two, with the exception of Cody, participated fully and equally in the making of this
summary.
