Neo-eugenics: the limit between genetic manipulation for therapy or reproduction and the selective biotechnological practices of the human species

Abstract

This article’s objective is to establish a comparison between the biomedical techniques used for genetic therapy and for the practice of assisted reproduction. Neo-eugenics designates the human selective practices carried out by genetic manipulation, made possible through new biomedical techniques. There is debate regarding the repercussions of predictive medicine, genetic discrimination, the consequences of possible errors caused by the adoption of these practices, as well as the effects of biotechnological practices on fundamental human rights. The conclusion is that there is need to establish criteria to determine the point where individual human rights begin, to guarantee observance, to respect and assure freedom, identity and genetic intimacy, so that the human genotype (manipulated or not) does not become an obstacle for the benefit of the fundamental rights already assured.