Are human-animal hybrid embryos ethical or not, part deux?

Question

For the first bit of the story, see:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ap8zEUT2kTtBY9gqAwEw6gHsy6IX?qid=20070906125540AAHaNHf

I was asked for some sources and additional details though, so here ya go:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14191423
http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/health.cfm?id=1395722007
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/01/neggs301.xml
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=53353

And finally, yes, the question of full chimeras or uplifted animals is still hypothetical, (even if the embryonic research IS NOT) but if we can create the embryo, then really, the only thing stopping us from growing a full human-animal hybrid is essentially the law and ethical considerations. So again, what kind of rights should such an individual have, cause if we can do it, sure as nuts somebody, somewhere is going to break the laws around genetic tampering with humans and grow some mutants.

Answer 1

I can just see it: lawsuits for "unlawful life," instead of "unlawful death." The mutant person would have the right to sue the scientist that created it. Lawyers would make millions! They'd specialize: "Sorry, miss, we only take dog and cat cases. You want to call "Mooon Law Center."

Answer 2

You raise the specter of someone intentionally growing mutants using this technology. You point out that is it only laws and ethical considerations which would stop someone from doing it.

It is a false fear, or at least, not a new one.

There has never been anything but laws and ethical considerations to prevent people from creating mutants. People have long know of natural and synthetic compounds which cause mutants fetuses to form. What stops people from intentionally injecting these into pregnant women as an experiment?

Since IVT has been around, there is nothing stoping anyone (except laws and ethical considerations) from treating an embryo with ethanol or some other toxin and implanting it to create human mutants. (Some will remember that is how the "gammas" were created in Huxley's "Brave New World."

This is one new technology and once again, we have laws and ethical considerations to prevent people from doing monstrous things. It's worked pretty well in the past. Why doubt it now?

Answer 3

If it's possible then it can--and will--eventually happen. I believe it's only a matter of time.

Morally, I'm inclined to say that this little experiment should not be done. It's not doing anything except fulfilling somebody's sick curiosity-if it could actually help other animals or humans then I might okay it, but it isn't. Well, it may somehow affect us but I think it would do more harm than good.

On the other hand, it would be an interesting experiment. Wrong on so many different levels, though.

And if these creatures have a high intelligence level, then they will eventually rise up and I can see a Sci-Fi movie playing out right now: mutants escaping and leading a rebellion against humanity.

Answer 4

Ask those with Alzheimers or Parkinsons or another degenerative deseas I,m optimistic they could be elated and individually i agree, if we dont use animals for something we will purely consume them. think of in some thousand years, probable much less, that those human-animal hybrids exsisted and walked between us as equals. Wasnt that for the time of the past human beings concept the international replaced into flat and you have burned on the stake in case you reported guy might sooner or later fly

Answer 5

If they're alive- they deserve to continue to be so. It would be like aborting a baby after its born if they just killed it.

While I think its a cool concept that we have the capability to do this, I think its going to be abused like anything else. I see a great deal of human testing cases lined up for the near future.

Answer 6

I keep telling people "Planet of the Apes" is actually a prophecy, and they think I'm joking.

Answer 7

I think centaurs are nice. Minotaurs are a problem.

Answer 8

You answered your own question...it doesn't matter how ethical it is...if it can be done then it will be done.

Answer 9

NO thats disgusting!!