Introduction to Biotechnology 3rd Edition by William Thieman ,Michael Palladino

Exercise 7

Suppose that gene therapy could be used to lower levels of cholesterol and saturated fat in the blood, thus allowing people to consume fat-rich fried foods with little risk of heart disease. However, this treatment might not work for everyone, and there would be no way of knowing in advance who would benefit. As a result, some people would inevitably die prematurely from heart disease. Should such gene therapy be approved for use in humans Answer this question by briefly describing how a bioethicist who believes in a utilitarian approach might view this scenario, and contrast this perspective with a deontological viewpoint.