In “Building Baby from the Genes Up” Ronald M. Green discusses the ethics of modern genetics. The author states in the article that it is nearly certain that gene technology will be present in the future of humanity. Green begins the article by recounting the story of a couple that wanted to eliminate the high occurrence of breast cancer from their family. To do this, they decided that they would use genetic diagnosis to select only embryos without the gene that may predispose someone to breast cancer.…
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the hereditary genetic disease Tay-Sach’s, discovered during a pregnancy. The discussion will focus on developing an interdisciplinary team and care plan for the expectant parents based on their wishes. This paper will also cover any ethical and/or legal dilemmas that may arise as well as identify counseling needs of those involved. In addition, there will be a personal reflection about high risk pregnancy, abortion, and the decision made by the expectant parents.…
Brendan Koerner’s “Embryo Police” describes the possible future of genetically altering embryos. He tells us how in the near future it is perfectly possible for us to be able to pick and choose what traits our future children will have with technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Throughout his article he often makes the reader unknowingly decided whether this is a good or bad piece of technology and whether or not we should be meddling in nature’s way. There are a multitude of variables that are to be considered when examining the morals of this technology. Koerner tells us a true story, in which the family by the name of the Mastersons, suffers the tragic loss of their 3-year-old daughter to a fire at the family’s…
The term "designer baby" is an informal name given to a baby whose genetic makeup has been altered by means of genetic engineering. This term was originally derived from 'designer clothing ', implying that the baby has been pieced together with desired 'traits ' or characteristics according to the direction of those that hold with them the power to change a baby before it is born. This may be the parents, scientists or doctors. Currently, it is a technology in its early stages, used to screen embryos and select those with desirable traits for implantation into a mother. However, as it slowly advances and possibilities begin to reveal themselves, parties for and against have rallied about the moral rights…
People strive for progression in order to move forward with the changing times. As scientific technology progresses, people begin to move towards the bright idea of perfection. This could be seen in the concept of designer babies. A designer baby is a baby that has its genes specifically chosen in order to ensure that a certain gene is or is not present. This concept brings about many questions regarding the safety and the ethics of choosing specific traits for a child. The articles “The art of medicine: Designer babies: Choosing our children's genes,” by Bonnie Steinbock and “Children to…
Genetic modification is becoming closer and closer to an everyday possibility. With this possibility comes a whirlwind of possible effects, both positive and negative. There has been a history of opposition towards these technologies, oftentimes because of fear that the capabilities would be abused. However, the potential that newborns could be born free of hereditary diseases outweighs the fear of “designer babies”.…
This article, Designer Babies, is said to be written by the Future of Human Evolution Team so some, but not all collaborators include Bradley LaChance, the executive director of the Center for Evolutionary Technologies where he researches human advancement through technological advancements. Also, Norell Hadzimichalis, who has a PhD in molecular biology and has done postdoctoral research in neuroscience labs. Her experience and education is very helpful in writing this article. In the article, both sides of the argument are presented through problems and benefits with the technology and the role it has in society is explained. First of all, the problem of what to do with the failed embryos arises. Some people believe simply discarding them is an action too similar to abortion and therefore the process of genetically engineering embryos is not ethical, but a person’s opinion ultimately determines if they are pro-choice or pro-life.…
How much of genetic information can the parents or relatives access raises a concern that it might result in an excessive use of reprogenetics. Furthermore, if scientists allow DNA screening for parents to avoid passing genetic diseases to their children, that might lead to more designer babies. Human genetic engineering is new and current field that has its pros and cons. Therefore, we should be more concerned about setting up the limits of how much access the public and scientists can have on genetic information, and taking in consideration the ethical issues behind…
In his article Is Gene Therapy a Form of Eugenics, John Harris discusses the concept of Eugenics when it comes to using Gene Therapy. Harris defines Eugenics as adapting to the production of “fine” offspring, or artificially producing offspring to fit certain criteria. He stresses on how this concept should be achieved. His main argument is that we should be in favor of Eugenics when it comes to potentially saving a child from living a potential disabled life. Harris believes that his view is not wrong, but believes that it is a matter of indifference whether we call it Eugenics or not. Harris argues that Gene Therapy is ethically sound, and using Eugenics can save lives. Harris notes problems when discussing the idea of using Eugenics. First, he notes that we do not fully understand the objective of producing “fine children.” Second, we do not understand the definition of “fine” and notes the difference between what an offspring can be, and what an offspring normally is. He poses a question where he argues what the difference between removing and repairing dysfunctions is, compared to using measures to enhance the functions of a potential offspring (Eugenics) He poses a second question where he asks if Gene Therapy in general is morally acceptable.…
As research continues to uncover new disease-causing mutations, the prospect of stopping the transmission of heritable diseases increases. With the use of modern technology, expecting parents can now be prescreened in order to determine their carrier status for certain diseases. Parents who choose to use in vitro fertilization are able to choose embryos that are free of disease due to preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Additionally, parents can be provided with information on their unborn child with the use of prenatal genetic testing. Some individuals view modern genetic technology as eugenic; however, this biggest difference between eugenics now and eugenics during the 1900s is consent. Today individuals pursue genetic testing by choice and policies on ethics and consent prevent reoccurrences of the immoral endeavors within the field of…
Secondly, it also should be permitted when mother discovers, at an early phase, that an embryo has defective genes. Therefore, a child could suffer from serious disease in the future. I believe that abortion would be better solution than let live such baby and feel great pain that you cannot help him.…
Eugenics can have an upside to human life. Eugenics can be used to assess a child’s medical needs. Parents already know the particular DNA makeup of their unborn child, which allows them to be prepared to meet the medical needs of that…
“Eugenic indication became especially significant once prenatal diagnosis technologies were refined” (Bashford 546). PGD helps Eugenics reach a disease-free society, which is desirable for all. This assures Eugenicists in getting rid of the “feebleminded” or “unfit” population. Ruth Schwartz Cowan found the history of fetal sex identification through amniocentesis and its use by Danish researchers to sex-linked hemophilia in 1959 (Bashford 546). “This new knowledge could be “applied” because of the preexisting eugenic indication for legal abortion: the Danish 1938 eugenic law permitted abortion if there was a risk that the child would be born with “severe and non-curable abnormality of physical disease. Where eugenic abortion laws were not available, the imperative to terminate pregnancy, in light of the new diagnostic capacity, drove abortion’s legalization, as much as did women’s arguments for reproductive choice” (Bashford 546). This clearly states how well PGD is connected to eugenics in allowing women to choose the type of child they “ideally” want and to terminate the children born with genetic disorders. Conversely, PGD is seen as wrong to others because of religious points of view that life starts at conception. “Able-bodied people tend to underestimate the quality of life of disabled people. The majority do not wish that they had never been born, they and their families value their…
As we are moving down the path of technological advancements, we are heading closer towards the next step, “designer babies”. Nevertheless, lots of debates and concerns have been raised regarding the outcome of designer babies. This literature review is going to discuss the ethical, religious and logical concerns raised regarding the designer babies.…
The novel “My Sister’s Keeper” by Jodi Picoult explores the medical, legal, ethical and moral issues related to long term illness and discusses some of the bioethical issues around the experimental technique known as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis. The author presents many ethical dilemmas when a couple chooses to genetically engineer a baby to create a bone marrow match for their terminally ill daughter. That creation is Anna Fitzgerald, who is beginning to wonder about her place in the world and questions her on going donations in order to save her sister’s, Kate’s life. Anna feels that her existence is defined by her ability to save her sister. That type of knowledge of such form of conception must have some sort of psychological ramifications upon a growing child. If I knew that I was a test tube baby, it would make living a little less extraordinary because it takes away the romance of creating life. Anna lashes back at her parents who conceived her out of desperation by suing them for medical emancipation, which are medical rights over your own body. She wants the right to be able to say no to invasive medical procedures, even if it might mean the death of her sister. The author tackles genetic engineering by posing a question: If you use one of your children to save the life of another are you being a good or bad parent? The dilemma here is if you use your child to save the life of an older sibling then you are not being a good parent, if you do not genetically engineer a saviour sibling then the older sibling will die. Either use your child to save a life or do not. So either the older sibling lives or dies. This paper will explore this moral dilemma, using the issues presented in “My Sister’s Keeper”, by Jodi Picoult. Firstly, being a donor sibling affects relationships with other members of the family and the best interests of the child. Secondly, the welfare and consent of the…