Essay On Deafness And Genetic Testing

Genetic engineering, or eugenics, is another proposed method of correcting Deafness which arouses much anger and controversy in the Deaf community. Deafness has a variety of root causes, and its genetics are complicated, but is known that for some people, it is caused by the gene connexin 26, as well as many other recessive, harder-to-trace genes (Leigh 49). Diagnostic testing of a Deaf or Hard of Hearing baby is becoming routine, but it is prenatal testing that inflames both the Deaf and Hearing communities. Genetic testing can determine whether a baby may be disabled, Deaf, or otherwise different, and can give parents the chance to make an informed decision about next steps. There are many examples of hearing people who wish only to have a hearing children, and Deaf people wishing to have
Some fears include the potential for human destruction, the inability to reverse the alterations, the uncertainty of what problems will arise as a result (Effects Of…).
The desire to genetically alter the human genome to eradicate Deafness yet again shows a deep-seated need to correct what is different. What is seen as an amazing way to prevent disease by the medical community is seen as cultural genocide by the Deaf community. The willingness of humanity to interfere with nature and biodiversity is frightening, because of the message it sends about the way our society views diversity as well as the fact that its long-term effects are irreversible and still largely unknown. Some people have had personal success where genetic engineering has helped them prevent devastating health problems, but it is important to understand that no person can make that decision for someone else, as is often done when destroying the “defective” embryo, without consent from the parents. Not every difference requires a “fix,” and that sometimes difficulties that arise are the fault of society, not