The topic of gene editing and designer babies is an exciting
new frontier that is currently being tested all over the world. New genetic
technology, such as CRISPR-CAS9 and IVF (in virto fertilization), have led to
new possibilities for families struggling to have children, as well as families
predisposed to genetic malfunction, and may lead to the widespread availability
for parents to pick for or against certain traits in their future infant. Our
ethics topic looks specifically at designer babies, and the implications of
picking traits for future generations, as well as questioning how far is too
far when it comes to gene modification and selection.
Currently, IVF is used for families that are unable to
conceive naturally. This process is very time consuming and expensive, but
currently allows for selecting particular embryos over others, for a variety of
reasons including sex. CRIPSR has also allowed scientists to make gene
modifications in experimental species, but has not yet been used on viable
human embryos, although that is a next step in the research. With all of
these technologies allowing for parent, doctors, and researchers to select
traits, we can't help but ask where the line will be drawn. Will parents get to
select their child’s appearance? Intelligence? Athleticism? Overall health? Will
this eradicate populations with special needs, and how will that impact
society? Will the lifespan get longer, and will over population become an
issue? Will selection only be available for the rich, creating a larger social
divide? So many ethical, and quite frankly extremely difficult questions exist,
but only time will tell just how far we will go. -written by students
Readings assigned before the discussion:
Further readings and videos:
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