Ever since 2004, the huge controversy of designer babies has been overflowing the media. Technology has developed so greatly that genetic modification could be performed on humans. The big question is, is it ethically acceptable?
Although the process has not been mastered yet, it is only a matter of time before scientists will able to safely perform the procedure. The main two reasons for designer babies are medical purposes, and cosmetic purposes. Some people say it is unethical to modify humans. Some say there are many benefits and it should be acceptable. I stand somewhere in between the two arguments.
It is almost certain that the future will be able to master genetic engineering
Although I believe it is true that the parents should accept their child no matter the genes they are given, in some cases, genetically engineering can be beneficial and prevent common diseases such as Down syndrome and blood diseases. If our technology is capable of safely removing these diseases, then I support them. Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis or PGD, is the term used to refer to embryo screening for medical purposes. I feel this is an excellent and safe procedure that can eliminate all unwanted diseases. If today’s technology allows us to diagnose and remove genes that cause harmful disease, then I think it is morally acceptable for us to perform these actions. Designing babies has been proven to save lives as well as successfully remove diseases. I think humans should take advantage of this technology and use it whenever necessary.
However, I do not support the modification of genes for cosmetic purposes. Designing babies should only be used for causes that will save lives or remove diseases. It should not be used to simply choose specific traits of a child. Designing a child for the wrong reasons can limit the Childs ability to make choices. There are certain characteristics that could be given to a child, however the child may not want to obtain them. Certain races and ethnicities will be rarer in the future if designing babies becomes more common. This can trigger an increase in discrimination and exclusion. The process of genetic modifications should be done under control with valid reasoning.
The risks of genetically engineering are very high, and they should not be taken for unnecessary reasons. The results are unpredictable and can have an effect on other genes. Any small errors can lead to death and other issues. When technology finally masters genetic engineering, I am almost positive it will be extremely costly. Certain traits and characteristics shouldn’t be only available to the wealthy. When the ability to change physical features and characteristics is made possible, it may be abused and can have negative impacts on our society. I believe that humans should have the control to refrain from designing babies for any reason other than medical.
Some things should be left alone.
Blogs commented on:
http://graceelkhechen.blogspot.com/2010/11/designer-babies-future-generation.html#comment-form
http://biologyislyfe.blogspot.com/2010/11/bio-engineered-kids.html#comments
Websites Used:
http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/agar.html
http://www.bionetonline.org/english/content/dbcont1.htm
hey kyle!
ReplyDeletei agree with how you said "Designing a child for the wrong reasons can limit the Childs ability to make choices." because its true and it wouldnt be fair for the child. I also think thats its true that if people use it cosmetic purposes it could become negative because then people are using this revolutionary technique for the wrong purposes. Though i do feel that whether they people use if for cosmetic or scientific purposes is up to the person. they have the freedom of choice.
Hi Kyle,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog. What really caught my attention was that you gave a question in the beginning, and then you answered it in your blog. You stated both sides of the story (For the production of designer babies and against). I found your blog very informative and opinionated as well. I think if you used more facts it would be better. Other than that, it was fine.
your blog was pretty good :)
ReplyDeletevery factual and intresting , and i completely agree with your positiion and persepective on this subject, genetic engineering should be available to save lives rather than make a pageant baby, it WOULD be unfair to those who aren't genetically altered.
you pulled up great points.
great job!
I agree with your opinion on how gene therapy should not be used for cosmetic reasons. Again, that is such a selfish act and may cause problems with the child. I am very impressed with how far scientists have gone and think this could be the answer to reducing the percentage of kids with genetic disorders.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. Such influential technology should lean toward screening diseases instead of trivial attributes like cosmetic traits. There definitely needs to be a set of rules so that nobody takes advantage and abuses it. Scientists need to make sure it’s perfectly safe before doing such procedures.
ReplyDeleteOverall, you explained the technology, the issues and the reasoning with interesting pictures that contributed to your explanation. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed your personal input and views into such a controversial and misunderstood topic, keep up the good work!
Great post Kyle!
ReplyDeleteI like how you beleive that parents should accept the babies they naturally have. I still feel for the parents though and i like how you stated the benefits versus the risks. People need to know the risks they are facing through the implementations of these processes. I still hold my opnion though, i think it has some ethical conflictions and that it will never be accepted by some people. Good job Kyle I enjoyed reading this!