Over 3500 inherited diseases have been linked to faulty genes. Genetic diseases among Canadians include cystic fibrosis, diabetes, hemophilia, Huntington’s chorea, and sickle cell anemia. Advancements in scientific knowledge of the human genome highly influences the increase of the parental demand for designer babies. Reproductive technologies have been developed to enable doctors and parents to screen embryos notonly for certain disease-bearing genes, but also for characteristics such as eye colour, hair colour, and complexion. Advanced reproductive techniques involves In-Vitro Fertilization, or IVF which is a procedure of fertilizing egg cells by sperm outside the mother’s body. This procedure is associated with a technique called pre-implantation genetics diagnosis (PGD) to examine embryos for defects before implantation in the womb. This technique allows us to modify genes by replacing faulty sections of DNA with healthy ones.
In the decision-making process, it is critical to rule out what is important. Are you only choosing traits because you have a specific preference for a particular child or is it to avoid diseases or dysfunction? If it urges you to seek counselling, then by all means seek counselling. However, you should be under the impression that genetic modifications could potentially irreversibly alter human species.
In my opinion, laws should restrict embryo screenings to prevent abuse of these advanced technologies, and must only undergo procedures under certain circumstances. I consider non-medical purposes of selecting embryos as unethical. We are not entitled to choose from a selection of traits. I view this situation from a different perspective, while in belief that we should just embrace the characteristics and traits that make up who we are.
References:
http://www.bionetonline.org/english/content/db_cont1.htm
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/03/03/earlyshow/health/main4840346.shtml
http://articles.cnn.com/2008-10-30/tech/designer.babies_1_genetic-screening-designer-babies-animal-embryos?_s=PM:TECH
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=regulate-designer-babies
Commented Blog Posts:
Claudia's Blog: "What's wrong with my baby?"
Marc's Blog: "Designer Babies #smh"
Hullo Bridge :)
ReplyDeleteYou make a good point about one being not entitled to choose from a selection of traits. I believe parents should be glad with any type of child they are blessed with. This new genetic enhancement technology goes against all of my religious beliefs. My religion teaches me to savor every living thing for they are the creation of God. Living in a diverse country, my country teaches me to cope with others and embrace their unique qualities. Though, as you said, it is very enticing that parents have the option of customizing their babies to have perfect features and intellect, we have to think about the social and ethical conflicts that arise after them. I am very worried about the future generations, for there may be extreme social divisions.
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ReplyDeletehey bridgette,
ReplyDeleteI basically agree on everything that you had said. It seems like these parents would love their children for the traits that they choose. It is true that we shouldn't choose their selection of traits as we should embrase them.
Designer baby should be against the law.
Ey, Bridgette ! I know it may be unethical to be able to conjure up your ideal child, but it may not also be something that should be completely ruled out. If we are able to experiment with genes and be able to remove diseases or "dysfunctional babies", then it might be an excellent progression in the medical field. With that said, it is still playing God and shouldn't be played around with.
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