"Designer babies" is the term being used by the media to describe the future of modifying or selecting our children's genes for desirable characteristics (medical and cosmetic). Are things getting out of hand with our research into genetic processes? In this blog investigate social and ethical implications of this research and technologies that have been developed from it.
Genetic processing and the ability to alter ones embryo to fit a parent’s personal needs of an “ideal” child has always been a hot topic. Of course there are pros and cons of genetic processing which adds to the debate. One can argue against the moral values of human beings. We shouldn’t have the ability to change the beautiful, natural process of reproduction. By fixing the genes and DNA of a child, we as humans can be seen as playing god, changing and manipulating his very creations. As Catholics I know that God doesn’t appreciate such doings, since of course the creation of a baby is a process in which a man and a woman come together as one. Stephen Green from the National Director of Christian Voice says "The objection to the idea of designer babies is that it divorces procreation from the act of sexual congress, and there's a real sense in which it is playing God." http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-designer-babies.html
Many can argue and rant about all the moral wrong doings of genetic processing but they can’t go against one major pro that is very beneficial for child birth. This major advantage is the ability to alter genes to prevent serious diseases at birth like down syndrome. This is one of many diseases that are said to be prevented by genetic processing. Having a disease like down syndrome can be seen as a nightmare to any parent. Having
a child that suffers from a disease may not sit to well with the average middle class family in terms of finances. Children that are not ill or suffer from a disability may have more opportunities in life. Although this break through in science can greatly change the whole process of birth, my moral values go against it. I see birth as an experience of anxiousness and joy. No matter how your child turns out it doesn’t change the fact that you must always be there for them whether they have a serious disease or not. I would much prefer to see what I have created rather than a genetically altered child.
In a process called pre-implantation they screen embryos for any genetic disease, if no disease is found they place it in the woman’s womb. This form of genetic processing is also being used for cosmetic features. They claim that with pre-implantation you have the ability to select gender, eye, skin, hair, and color of the child. They also say that they are able to enhance physical traits such as intelligence, beauty, height, athletic ability, and freedom from mental illness and obesity. Many argue that pre-implantation is inhuman and goes against human ethics. Those who oppose such methods argue that creating your child based on the alteration of genes is unjust. It isn’t ethical to enhance ones genes for the benefit of a better life. For instance, if you have the power to select how tall or how strong your child will be it wouldn’t be fair compared to a naturally born child. The genetically developed child will be far more superior in sports than the average one. Pre-implantation and selective genetics is basically a way to create a super human that strives in everything it does.
In a process known as vitro fertilization egg cells are fertilized by the sperm outside the womb. Vitro fertilization allows those who are unable to produce a baby naturally to resort to the physical transport of sperm to egg. This very process is now said that have been related to the creation of designer babies. Genetic engineers toy with the DNA of an embryo. From there they hope to highlight and enhance desirable traits while they also attempt to eliminate the negative ones. This process is far from perfect and they worry if it is safe enough to be tried on humans.
Are things getting out of hand with our research into genetic processing?
Genetic processing is completely altering the way in which we conceive children. The process is beginning to get so advanced that they are nearly able to fix the very physical and cosmetic features to fit ones personal preference. As human beings it just doesn't seem right that we are able to enhance our children's attributes with the advancement of technology. Good old fashion hard work and the drive to be a better person would almost be non-existent. The fact is that human beings are abusing technology to create their idea of perfect child in order to strive in life. If designer babies happen to be a success the process would be very costly and only the richest of people would be able to afford it. This would mean that the difference between the rich and the poor would only increase. The rich would get richer and the poor would get poorer. Those who have money will be able to genetically alter their child to be smarter and more athletic than the others.
A huge factor in designer babies is the risk factor in producing them. Due to the fixing of genes and DNA there is not a lot of room for error. One mistake can affect a specific gene crucial for survival therefore resulting in death. Experimenting with the life of an unborn child is risky in the sense that a life is at stake. The fact of the matter is research into designer babies just isn't worth it. The percentage of failure and death of an unborn child is significantly high. This breakthrough in science may help with the prevention of diseases which is a huge pro, but there is always a risk of failure. The way I see it is that even if you are born with a child suffering from a life threatening disease there is nothing you can do about it but live with it. That is what life is all about, dealing with bumps in the road, and science should not get in the way of over coming these obstacles. Getting over these obstacles in life and learning is something science can never do for you!
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-designer-babies.html
http://www.bionetonline.org/English/content/db_cont1.htm
http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/agar.html
