Argical Analysis Of Richard Alleyne's Genetically Engineered Babies?

Genetically Engineered Babies If we had the option to create a less violent, more intelligent, and overall better society we have the moral obligation to do so. At least, according to Oxford professor, Julian Savulescu, we have that obligation. In Richard Alleyne’s article, “Genetically engineering ‘ethical’ babies is a moral obligation, says Oxford professor”, Professor Savulescu’s argument is spotlighted. As an expert in practical ethics, Savulescu takes theories and ideas and see the real world application; this gives him a unique perspective on a variety of issues but especially the genetic engineering debate. Professor Savulescu’s insists that we, as humans and especially those as parents, have the moral obligation to genetically engineer …show more content…
Professor Savulescu pushes the idea that responsible parenting is trying to ensure that their child has the best opportunity for a great life. For the sake of the children, we should intervene and bring out the traits that clearly benefit the individual as well as society, instead of letting nature be in control. Once children are born without their personality flaws due to their genes, they will result in adults who have a better life who will want their children to have a better life as well; thus continuing the need for rational design. This genetic engineering would allow parents to make the decisions of what traits they want to bring out and which ones to eliminate. If parents do not do this do to their own irrational thinking, society, as a whole would be burdened. With this statement Savulescu is also conveying that the good of society is more important than parents hesitation due to their misconceptions or beliefs that they may hold against genetically engineering. Even the name, rational design, insinuates that anything else is simply …show more content…
Savulescu argues that while it is illegal, we are also in the middle of a genetic revolution and people should welcome this new possibility. We currently screen embryos and fetuses for genetic conditions. Conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Down’s syndrome, and bowel and breast cancer genes are screened for. Parents want to know when their child will be born with a condition that will impact their condition of life or require extra attention and care. These genetic personality flaws could also impact a child’s condition of life and may need extra attention and care as well. Violent children may need behavioral therapy, adolescence facing additions may need rehabilitation, and mentally ill people may need to have professional assistance. Screening would allow parents to prepare just like screening for Down’s and cystic fibrosis allows for better-prepared parents. The current screening of embryos and fetuses for conditions already pushes us closer to creating “designer babies”. Screening for impactful personality traits and then rational design is the next logical step, allowing humans to have an impact on the future of their children and