Are "Designer Babies" on the Horizon?

Advances in genetics have given birth to this concept of “designer babies.” This term however is only used by the media – describing the ability to choose the characteristics of a baby before they are born. In scientific terms, it is screening the embryos for any genetic disorders. How this is done is by using a process called In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). This is basically taking the eggs and having them fertilized by the sperm in test-tubes outside of the mother’s body. From there, doctors only implant the embryos that are not disease affected back into the mother’s womb. This is called “Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD).


When you think about it, nothing is morally wrong with getting rid genes that would possibly result in a disease affected child. However, there is controversy in the media. With all this talk about “designer babies,” there are concerned ethicists out there who fear that we will take this advanced genetic technology too far and adopt the idea of choosing our own desirable traits for our unborn children. For instance, we would be able to choose the gender, eyes, skin and hair colour of the baby as well as physical traits such as intelligence, beauty, height, athletic ability and so on. With all these options being said, we would ultimately being using IVF and PGD techniques for cosmetic purposes rather than just medical purposes.


People have begun asking the question: "Is it ethical to create designer babies with enhanced physical ability and appearance?" Personally, I disagree with the whole idea of “designer babies.” In a way, parents are taking away the say of their child in their life by choosing the traits THEY want their child to have. Each of us is unique. If a child who was a “designer baby,” found out later in life, imagine how they would feel. They would feel as if their parents had to specifically pick out the traits that would make them love them.

Critics also think that if the option of choosing these desirable traits, is made available, “designer babies” would have a negative impact on society. These genetic techniques are very expensive which could lead to imbalances between the rich and poor. Also, those who are born with genetic enhancement may looks down on those who don’t have them. Those born with disabilities already face intolerance. Imagine the impact it would have on an artificially designed race with the same IQ and appearance. This “designer babies” debate can lead to a greater rift in our society.

Presently though, we don’t have to worry about this. The whole process is expensive, not 100 percent safe, and is illegal. However, now is the time to understand that we cannot tamper or control the way nature was intended to work. Nature has run its course for a long time without humans interfering with its path.

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Resources:

http://www.bionetonline.org/english/content/db_cont1.htm
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/designer-babies-debate.html
http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/agar.html
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,989987,00.html
http://singularityhub.com/2009/02/25/designer-babies-like-it-or-not-here-they-come/

BioBlogs I have read & commented on:

Mary A.
http://marysbioblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/design-baby.html#comments

Lucy A.
http://whatisthislucysbioblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/designer-shoes-clothes-bags-how-about.html?showComment=1296596393541#c8890643465963642586