David King

David King is a British geneticist who has written and spoken extensively on the ethical issues of genetic engineering. In the following viewpoint, King expresses reservations about experimenting with human “germ line” cells (the cells involved in human reproduction). He argues that such genetic engineering has relatively little utility in eliminating genetic diseases and involves significant health risks. In addition, germ line engineering, if successful, gives humanity the enormous power of consciously designing human beings—a power King believes could be dangerously abused.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What safety risks does King state are created by germ line engineering?
2. What alternative methods to genetic engineering exist to prevent genetic diseases, according to King?
3. Why is it impossible to ensure that genetic engineering would be used only...