Somatic cell germ-line distinction is a problematic method...

The germ-line distinction is a problematic method of demarcating acceptable from unacceptable genetic interventions I suggest that we should adopt a method of demarcation that grows out of the concept of a malady discussed earlier. The distinction I will be showing to be both useful and justifiable will be one that is based around the treatment/enhancement model, using the definition of a malady for the determination of those interventions that fall into the category of treatments and those that do not. I will also show that on the enhancement side of the equation, not all enhancements should be treated as having the same morally problematic status. I will show that the distinction should in fact be a three part one with lines being drawn between treatments, acceptable enhancements, and unacceptable enhancements. It is this distinction between acceptable and unacceptable enhancements that will occupy the next section of this chapter. Once the ground for determining moral acceptability in terms of enhancements has been established, the entire schema will be brought together, so criticisms of it can be answered. The schema of distinctions will also be shown to be useful in assisting us with other problematic areas and criticisms of genetic interventions