Hannah O’Dea
Professor Hunter
English 110
12/19/14
Should the line be drawn when it comes to genetically designed babies?
“Designer baby” is a term that describes genetically altering a baby’s traits to change unfavorable traits to favorable.This process is aided by in vitro fertilization (IVF), and Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Although this process is relatively new, it has gotten international attention and is the cause for great controversy. Designing babies could potentially lead to altering a baby’s appearance, gender, intellectual level, sex, personality and/or traits involving disease (Resnik). To give you a better understanding of why genetically designed babies becoming an everyday concept- think about this situation. …show more content…
Should genetically modifying a baby’s traits be allowed? Well, to start off yes I do think they should allowed, but only under circumstances should it be acceptable. Before we all become too comfortable with the idea of designer babies becoming the norm, let us take a step back and give scientists a chance to confirm that these practices are safe and will not include any side effects later in life for our precious children. After scientists prove to be confident with designing all types of traits for babies, I believe some opponents who are against the technology will switch sides and want their children to experience the benefits of genetically enhancing their traits. As of right now, the United States has no official legislation to deal with genetically modifying a baby’s traits. Great Britain on the other hand, has established the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority or (HFEA) to control genetic modification. The United States needs to establish an authority like HFEA or come up with their own solution to help regulate genetic modification. As soon as the U.S government has created policies, more people will feel comfortable with genetic modification. Now, should we allow genetically altering a baby’s gene to change their gender, eye and hair color, height, athletic and music ability, intellectual and emotional characteristics? I strongly believe changing these qualities in a baby should not be acceptable. Eric Swedin, a researcher and historian, describes futuristic events that will likely happen in the coming years as designer babies come into full swing. Swedin states, “One can easily imagine in 50 to 100 years the popularity of 400-pound football linebackers, workers with superior strength or stamina, workers who excel in mathematics, or workers whose bones and organs can better withstand the effects of zero gravity for functioning in outer space” (Swedin). The thought of this to some people may sound
Professor Hunter
English 110
12/19/14
Should the line be drawn when it comes to genetically designed babies?
“Designer baby” is a term that describes genetically altering a baby’s traits to change unfavorable traits to favorable.This process is aided by in vitro fertilization (IVF), and Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Although this process is relatively new, it has gotten international attention and is the cause for great controversy. Designing babies could potentially lead to altering a baby’s appearance, gender, intellectual level, sex, personality and/or traits involving disease (Resnik). To give you a better understanding of why genetically designed babies becoming an everyday concept- think about this situation. …show more content…
Should genetically modifying a baby’s traits be allowed? Well, to start off yes I do think they should allowed, but only under circumstances should it be acceptable. Before we all become too comfortable with the idea of designer babies becoming the norm, let us take a step back and give scientists a chance to confirm that these practices are safe and will not include any side effects later in life for our precious children. After scientists prove to be confident with designing all types of traits for babies, I believe some opponents who are against the technology will switch sides and want their children to experience the benefits of genetically enhancing their traits. As of right now, the United States has no official legislation to deal with genetically modifying a baby’s traits. Great Britain on the other hand, has established the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority or (HFEA) to control genetic modification. The United States needs to establish an authority like HFEA or come up with their own solution to help regulate genetic modification. As soon as the U.S government has created policies, more people will feel comfortable with genetic modification. Now, should we allow genetically altering a baby’s gene to change their gender, eye and hair color, height, athletic and music ability, intellectual and emotional characteristics? I strongly believe changing these qualities in a baby should not be acceptable. Eric Swedin, a researcher and historian, describes futuristic events that will likely happen in the coming years as designer babies come into full swing. Swedin states, “One can easily imagine in 50 to 100 years the popularity of 400-pound football linebackers, workers with superior strength or stamina, workers who excel in mathematics, or workers whose bones and organs can better withstand the effects of zero gravity for functioning in outer space” (Swedin). The thought of this to some people may sound