Should GMOs be regulated?

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques (i.e. genetically engineered organism). GMOs are the source of medicines and genetically modified foods and are also widely used in scientific research and to produce other goods.

One side says:
(Flip all cards) (Flip all cards)

  • Creating living organisms in the lab is playing sorcerer's apprentice.

    Inserting foreign genes into an organism has all kinds of consequences that we don't understand. And we have no way of performing risk assessments on lab-created living organisms.

  • We know GMOs are dangerous for other plants and animals.

    Butterflies and bees are killed by GMO corn pollen. Kids' life-threatening allergies have increased with the introduction of GMO crops – from 1 in a hundred to 1 in twenty.

  • GMOs are intended to benefit a few large companies.

    Living organisms are engineered so they can be owned by corporations and licensed to us, at ever-higher prices. This effectively hands over control over food – crops and animals – to private interests.

  • GMOs fail to do what they promise.

    They're supposed to feed more people, and make food better. But they don't. The food is more dangerous to humans. GMO crops often use more pesticides, not less.

  • The whole idea of GMOs is creepy.

    Putting human genes in rice plants is creepy. Plants that can survive (and absorb) megadoses of herbicides is not right.

  • To GMO Or Not To GMO?
  • 2 Minutes on Monsanto and GMOs

The other side says:
(Flip all cards) (Flip all cards)

  • GMOs will feed the world.

    We have to harness the power of science to feed a growing population. GMOs mean, for example, that in drier regions of the planet, plants can be made drought resistant.

  • GMOs create a better kind of food.

    Scientists are working with genes that increase how long fruits and vegetables will keep, or that help the plant create vitamins we need.

  • GMOs give the US a huge competitive advantage.

    Because we have the best scientists and the willingness to invest in new technologies, the US has become the leader in the field of genetic engineering.

  • GMOs is a rich area of scientific research.

    The science of genetic engineering is providing an opportunity for our best scientists to do all kinds of fundamental scientific research – work that may prove to have unanticipated benefits.

  • We need to let genetic engineering reach its full potential.

    Sure, there are problems with some GMOs. But there were problems with the first cars, light bulbs, and airplanes. It's obvious that the technology will mature and get better.

  • What is a GMO? How are GMOs made? Are GMOs safe?
  • Are GMOs Good or Bad?
  • Are GMOs As Scary As They Seem?