The development of treatments for genetic disorders, such as the cystic fibrosis drug discussed in “From the Cystic Fibrosis Gene to a Drug,” highlights the potential of precision medicine. However, one of the biggest challenges is accessibility. These treatments are often expensive, limiting access for lower-income patients. This raises an ethical question: Should life-saving treatments be a right rather than a privilege?
Another key issue is the long-term impact of gene therapies. As shown in “The Costs and Benefits of Treating Gene Defects,” while these treatments can improve quality of life, their effectiveness over time remains uncertain. Are we prepared to handle unforeseen consequences, such as mutations or unexpected side effects?
To address these concerns, governments should implement policies ensuring affordability and continued monitoring of genetic treatments. Without such measures, the gap between those who can afford advanced care and those who cannot will only widen, reinforcing healthcare disparities.