Let People Decide Their own Fate: Free Market Bioethics

The issue of biotechnology is one of the most fiercely debated of all current issues. Bioethics is complex because both sides have such strong arguments. On one hand biotechnology is the Holy Grail for millions of people, offering cures for illnesses and disabilities thought to be incurable. On the other side of the argument, a society of lifeless clones and three eyed babies are seen as possible side effects of fooling with Mother Nature. Both sides are firmly entrenched and ready to fight. People should be legally allowed to pursue whatever medical treatment they want to, rather than have someone dictate what is right for them. Consumer demand rather than the moral views of politicians should determine the research and application of biotechnology.
Disease has been around for as long as time has been recorded. The tradition has been for people to suffer with whatever diseases are sent their way. Some opposed to biotechnology have even gone as far as to say that suffering is the human condition. The people who say these things are not the ones suffering. New technology gives patients the possibility of a cure. Just because people have suffered in the past does not mean that patients have to continue to suffer. The bio-advances of the twentieth century and the hope of future advances give dying people a reason to keep on fighting. …