Issues to think about

This discussion is about what we should do, not what is possible or what is technically safe. Most people have certain things they would choose not to do, even if those things were completely possible and completely safe.

These are just some of the issues that have been raised relating to the transfer of human genes into non human organisms:

• Some people think transferring a gene from a human to a non-human does not make the person less human, or the other organism more human. Others believe it could affect the humanness of both.
• Whakapapa respects the relationships between generations. Transferring human genes into non-humans could disturb these connections and threaten the mauri of both the human and non-human.
• If transferring human genes into non-humans is scientifically safe, it could be wrong not to use the technology to help people.
• Everything in the world is connected, in a complex system that humans don't fully understand. Genetic systems are complex systems that have developed over a long process of evolution, and it could be wrong to intervene in this way.
• Transferring human genes into non-humans could be "playing God", or it could be part of our God-given role as stewards of the earth.
• People have a right to make decisions for themselves about what technologies they want to use. It could be unfair for one group of people to close down the options for others who might benefit.
• Humans and non-humans exist in a world of wairua and whakapapa, of spiritual connections. By affecting these connections, the transfer of human genes could threaten the spiritual well-being of Māori.
• New Zealand is secular, not a religious state. It could be wrong for the Government to make decisions primarily based on religion or spirituality.
• Humans relate differently to different species, depending on whether they are closely related to us biologically, whether they are domesticated or wild, or whether they are native to New Zealand. Attitudes could differ depending on what species we were considering.

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