Genetic Modification, Chip Implants Could Mean A Scary Future
Pastor Dale Morgan
Genetic Modification, Chip Implants Could Mean A Scary Future*
The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation,
and Trade met to discuss the regulation of “Genetics and other Human
Modification Technologies.” Chairman of the Subcommittee, Brad Sherman
(D-Calif.), said that growth in genetic and human modifications means
that the future will be like a “science fiction movie.”
But, he said that international regulation is necessary to prevent new
technologies from harmful, unethical use. He said that not all of the
technology is in the hands of the moral, and could be used to achieve
national security advantages. Also, he expressed concerns about states
performing unethical research in mixing animal and human DNA, and
implanting chips in humans.
Jamie Metzl, executive vice president of the Asia Society, said that a
treaty to regulate genetic modification would be premature now, but that
inaction will yield great consequences. He added that the new powers
created by genetic modification require great responsibility. He
suggested using the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty as a model for
regulation of new technologies.
Richard Hayes, executive director of the Center for Genetics and
Society, said that a majority of countries have no policies towards
genetic modification, but some support potentially immoral acts.