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Genetic Modification (GMOs): Animals

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Encyclopedia of Global Bioethics

Abstract

Scientific and biotechnological advances have made it possible for us to modify the genes of organisms, including animals. There are many possible beneficial applications of this technology in scientific and medical research as well as in agriculture. However, there are also many bioethical concerns related to genetically modified animals and much contention about the moral justifiability of applying this biotechnology. This entry discusses the various kinds of ethical issues surrounding genetically modified animals and their use in medicine and agriculture. It addresses fundamental moral questions as well as bioethical concerns related to animal welfare, human safety, the environment, patenting and commercialization, and global inequality.

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Further Readings

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Kevin G. Behrens

Authors
  1. Kevin G. Behrens
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Correspondence to Kevin G. Behrens .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Healthcare Ethics, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Henk ten Have

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Behrens, K.G. (2016). Genetic Modification (GMOs): Animals. In: ten Have, H. (eds) Encyclopedia of Global Bioethics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09483-0_209

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