Genetic Engineering

My topic is genetic engineering of human embryos. There are currently two different approaches to this manipulation: embryo elimination or genetic alterations. There are ethical issues regarding genetic engineering. Altering or eliminating defective embryos to ensure a healthy child is acceptable. Modification of the genetic makeup of an embryo to attain desired characteristics or the creation of a designer baby is unethical. In addition the creation of designer babies through genetic engineering to create smarter more attractive or athletic children, due to its expense, will further widen the gap between the rich and poor. Finally, religious groups consider the modification of an embryo unethical due to the concerns about doctors “playing god.”
My stance is that the use of genetic engineering to create designer babies is abhorrent and unethical. However, genetic alterations to eliminate hereditary diseases or deformities is acceptable in order to ensure a healthy baby. Society should be concerned about the utilization of genetic engineering to create children with perceived positive traits since the long term impact on the gene pool is unknown and the potential
He asks “Will these new technologies only be available to the wealthy--resulting in a lower class that will suffer from inherited diseases and disabilities?” (Baird 6) However, he also argues in favor of the utilization of genetic engineering for medical purposes. He states that “Using whatever techniques are available to help prevent certain genetic diseases will protect children from suffering debilitating diseases and deformities and reduce the financial and emotional strain on the parents.” (Baird 6). This supports my counterargument that genetic alterations is acceptable in order to ensure a healthy