A Case Western Reserve University law professor has been awarded a $773,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to develop guidelines for the genetic enhancement of human subjects. Researchers will determine whether there are any conditions under which it would be ethical to conduct research on genetic enhancement using human subjects. - (Press Release - grant application)
The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity today denounced the decision by the NIH to fund the project aimed at promoting the genetic re-engineering of human beings for non-therapeutic purposes under the rubric of "enhancement."
"This is a violation of the spirit of the NIH-sponsored Human Genome Project," says CBHD Senior Fellow C. Ben Mitchell. "Providing this grant signals a fundamental and dangerous change in the policy of the NIH, resurrecting the mistaken goals of the eugenics programs in the United States and Europe in the early twentieth century."
The project objectives imply that scientists, physicians, politicians, ethicists or the public at large, condones such research.
"The project presupposes that it is ethical to reengineer normal human beings," says CBHD President Dr. Andrew Fergusson. "But in a society which correctly decries the use of artificial means, such as steroids to 'enhance' athletic abilities, the presumption of the NIH to pursue the re-engineering of human beings is the height of scientific and social arrogance."
By choosing to pursue an agenda for re-engineering humankind, the NIH has clearly demonstrated an inadequate degree of oversight of its funding activities. The White House and Congress must investigate this blatant misuse of taxpayer funds. CBHD is a strong advocate of research for healing, and is deeply saddened that this incredibly important instrument of good is being used for a course of evil.
More information: The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity
Update: MaryMeetsDolly has more
I suggest these people read Frankenstein again. That went over real well in the novel.