Should we, or shouldn't we? Ethical questions deal with the effects our actions (or inactions) have on the world around us. If something is harmful, we shouldn't do it. A simple enough guideline in theory, but one that's not very useful when the consequences of an activity aren't yet clear, or when its effects can be both harmful and helpful. Biotechnology falls into this ambiguous camp. Most differences of opinion between supporters and opponents of genetic manipulation come down to different interpretations of the balance between risks and benefits.

Typical concerns can be divided into a number of areas, ranging from biotechnology's effects on the environment and human health to impacts on social and economic conditions and religious and moral values (see the following page). Some issues arise specifically from the nature of the technology, while others, such as the exploitation of poor nations' resources by rich ones, are part of an existing dilemma.