JeEwisH INVOLVEMENT IN GENETIC ENGINEERING
Walter Jacob
QUESTION: May a Jew genetically alter a mouse, or may a Jew use a mouse if it has been genetically engineered by a gentile? What is the status of animals in Jewish law?(Arthur P., Gershman, Arlington, VA )
ANSWER: Genetic engineering is a field that is still in its infancy, but we can expect major advances in this area in the future. At the moment it is possible to introduce permanent genetic changes in plants, animals, and human beings. There are many questions about exercising control and about the dangers that may arise from new, altered, or hitherto unknown substances formed through these methods. Unusual safeguards have been proposed by both the scientific community and national and international agencies. Such caution is wise and we should proceed carefully even when we are dealing with animals. This responsum is not intended to discuss genetic engineering in human beings.
We will, perhaps, begin with the question of the status of animals in relation to human beings and then turn to genetic engineering.
The biblical statement in Genesis(2:26) placed people above animals enabling humans to rule them and therefore use them in any way that seemed appropriate and certainly to save a life (pikuah nefesh). So, for example, cattle could be used for food or