Outlining boundaries: reflection on the ethical limits for applying genetic technologies

Abstract

This paper aims to develop a reflection on the ethical limits on genetic engineering uses in humans. For this, we sought to define ethical boundaries between the two purposes for genetic intervention, treatment and improvement. In addition, it was developed a brief historical retrospect of the eugenics’ movements in Brazil, Germany, and the United States. We also have introduced some arguments often used against genetic
interventions: the unnaturalness, the playing God, social cheating, the use of genetic information, the implications of germ cells manipulation and the logical resource to slippery slopes. The article ends with a warning on the need to establish public debate on the subject in order to facilitate the creation of ethical codes and legislation regulating the scientific and medical practices on the genetic manipulation technologies. This, however, requires necessarily a better quality of education and information of the Brazilian society, mainly in schools.