Gmo Persuasive Speech

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Do you find it important to know exactly what it is that you are consuming? If so, then maybe genetically modified organisms are not for you. A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic makeup has been altered by genetic engineering (Miller and Spoolman). These combinations of genes are not possible in our natural world. The purpose of this modifying process is to produce positive characteristics and/or eliminate the undesirable ones. Genetically modified substances are present in many of the foods that you consume regularly. About 85 percent of corn grown here in the United States is genetically modified (Center for Food Safety). Corn is genetically modified so that it is able to produce a poison that can eliminate hazardous …show more content…

The total number of countries with a complete or a partial ban on GMOs is now over twenty-six, and includes Mexico, Australia, China, India, France, Germany, and Russia (OrganicConsumers.org). These countries had good reason to institute a ban. Why has America not followed suit? Since GMOs were introduced to the world in 1996, the percentage of Americans with three or more chronic illnesses increased from seven to thirteen percent, in a span of fewer than ten years (WestonAPrice.org). Other less threatening diseases and disorders such as autism, reproductive disorders, and food allergies are also on the rise. But this increase in ailments could be totally unrelated to the increase in GMO usage, right? While this is possible, it is impossible to know this for certain because we do not have enough information or the length of time required to study in order to declare them safe. For this reason alone, we should all be cautious when it comes to growing or eating genetically modified organisms. The golden rice is not an exception to this statement. The rice is an inexpensive way to provide those living in third world countries with a sufficient amount of vitamin A. Studies have shown, however, that golden rice is prone to contaminating the non genetically modified rice when released to the environment. If this happens, organic rice farmers will be greatly impacted, and may even lose their markets, putting many at risk. The rice has not been properly tested, so no knows exactly what potential risks we are facing through consumption. We do know that too much Vitamin A can result in Hypervitaminosis (Forbes.com). This condition can lead to a few adverse effects, such as birth defects, liver deformities, or reduced bone density (Merriam-Webster). Are these risks worth saving a few bucks, when there are alternative methods to supplying

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