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

A somatic cell intervention is morally justified…

It is morally acceptable to offer somatic interventions to those person who acquire it in each generation it appears, then it is also morally acceptable to alter the germ-line so that this condition is not passed on to future generations. This would also have the added benefit of being more efficient in terms of time, money and resources then somatically altering the genes of each sufferer on an ongoing generational basis. To use the example of Huntington’s again, if we find it morally acceptable to correct instances of the disease in people through somatic cell therapy, performed on each generation, then it is also morally acceptable and would be more efficient to correct the condition through germ-line interventions to ensure the condition is not passed on and the becomes more and more rare, requiring less interventions per generational group.

Somatic cell interventions will not have unintended effects on the germ-line of recipients….

Some proponents, through application of the principle of double effect have answered the problem of somatic cell interventions designed and intended only to affect the somatic cells, which unintentionally cause alterations to the germ-line. Marc Lappe states that “Germ-line engineering as a direct attempt to change the genotype of future generations cannot ethically be justified. However, when such changes arise as an indirect and otherwise unavoidable consequence of an approved form of somatic cell engineering, they are morally acceptable. The first objection relates to the issue of intention and the unintended consequences of the interventions. Two people, both suffering the same condition attempt to acquire somatic cell intervention to remedy the condition they possess. The intention of the first person is to have the therapy in order to correct the condition, as it is present in them. The second person however knows that there is risk that the procedure will have an effect on their germ-line and this is the major reason for them wanting to undergo the procedure. While they want the condition corrected in them, the major intention in undergoing the procedure is to alter the germ-line so that any progeny will not have to suffer the condition in their life. It seems under the principle of double effect that the first person should be accepted for the therapy while the second should be rejected on the ground that he is more concerned about the effects of the condition on his offspring then on himself. As Moseley suggests, “this would seem to be a morally questionable criterion for a physician to use in deciding whether to proceed with genetic therapy. It is also troubling that all that the second person needs to in order to procure the procedure for them is to lie about their primary intention for wanting to the intervention. Having a situation where people are forced to lie or omit information in order to receive treatment cannot be one that can be said to be good medical practice.