It's about the money, stupid.  Most of the people involved with the current spat going on between Rand Paul and dumbass fauxchee have money (lots of it) invested in such projects. Not to mention the subject of "population control gone amok".

If you can stand to learn the awful truth of GoF research, keep going.  If you have a weak stomach, stop now.

https://ahrp.org/what-is-gain-of-function-research-who-is-at-high-risk/