Voters in Switzerland have decided in favour of continuing research using genetic engineering on plants and animals.

While in Britain, Prince Charles has launced his own attack on such engineering saying it "takes mankind into realms that belong to God, and to God alone".

So do you think Prince Charles is right? Or do you go along with the majority of voters in the Swiss referendum? Would you like to see genetic engineering stopped? Or do its potential benefits outweigh the possible dangers?

Opponents of genetic engineering say they want to keep "mother nature as it is". They say it could threaten world ecology. And the long term effects on world health are unclear.

But supporters talk of revolutionising food. They say they will produce "super crops" to withstand poor land and pests. They add that genetically engineered food lasts longer. It can taste better too.

The full implications of genetic engineering are unknown.

But at best, it could help prevent more third world famine. And at worst, the risk could be more deaths from new and more resilient diseases.

What do you think?

Should genetic engineering be stopped?

A science with so much potential for real improvments in the human condition should not be all out banned due to fear and ignorance...
Nathan Hedin, US

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