A designer baby is a baby whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected to ensure the presence or absence of certain genes or characteristics. This process is done with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) where the fertilization of the egg by the sperm happens in test tubes. Genetic engineers then remove and/or add particular genes are to makes sure the embryo carries what the couple asked for. Many say that designer babies may not be now, but they say it is the future.
As you may not know already, gender selection has been available to paying couples in different countries since 2001. The Fertility Institutes say that they had had over 3,800 cases of gender selection with a 100% rate. Not only do they provide gender selection, but they also screen embryos for genetic defects. In February of 2009, the Institutes announced that they are planning to offer selections of eye and hair color for future children, forming massive controversy. Many couples are excited, but others are completely against it.
Dr. Jeff Steinberg, the director of the Institutes says that the technology to select physical traits has been available for years, but no one would touch it. I’m sure these people have many reasons not to go near it. Selecting physical traits for cosmetic reasons can introduce new sources of discrimination. I can picture couples judging other couples who couldn’t afford to pay for a “perfect child”. And I can see more children making fun of other children for being “different”.
Some people say that creating designer babies is like when Adolf Hitler was on a quest to create a race of blonde, blue eyed tall people and I do agree that this is what it looks like. And I think it’s scary that this could be the future because that seems to be what these couples find the “perfect” look. The ability to choose physical traits can decrease human diversity and I do believe that it can be dangerous.
I personally think that screening embryos for deadly diseases are acceptable. Even selecting the gender is fine. I believe that these two can help the human race but designing how your own baby will look feels wrong. I think it’s too much and unreasonable for a disaster.
As you may not know already, gender selection has been available to paying couples in different countries since 2001. The Fertility Institutes say that they had had over 3,800 cases of gender selection with a 100% rate. Not only do they provide gender selection, but they also screen embryos for genetic defects. In February of 2009, the Institutes announced that they are planning to offer selections of eye and hair color for future children, forming massive controversy. Many couples are excited, but others are completely against it.
Dr. Jeff Steinberg, the director of the Institutes says that the technology to select physical traits has been available for years, but no one would touch it. I’m sure these people have many reasons not to go near it. Selecting physical traits for cosmetic reasons can introduce new sources of discrimination. I can picture couples judging other couples who couldn’t afford to pay for a “perfect child”. And I can see more children making fun of other children for being “different”.
Some people say that creating designer babies is like when Adolf Hitler was on a quest to create a race of blonde, blue eyed tall people and I do agree that this is what it looks like. And I think it’s scary that this could be the future because that seems to be what these couples find the “perfect” look. The ability to choose physical traits can decrease human diversity and I do believe that it can be dangerous.
I personally think that screening embryos for deadly diseases are acceptable. Even selecting the gender is fine. I believe that these two can help the human race but designing how your own baby will look feels wrong. I think it’s too much and unreasonable for a disaster.
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