The Pros And Cons Of Dwarfism

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A genetic research advancement enables genetic counselors to obtain information on the specific genes of an embryo. Currently, a test can reveal whether several life-threatening diseases or disabilities, such as Tay-Sachs or Autism, are prevalent in an embryo. As research continues to progress, scientists perceive it will be possible to test for non-disease genes such as intelligence, violence, or memory capability. Therefore, as many couples utilize in vitro fertilization (IVF) to reproduce, they are given the opportunity to test disease and non-disease genes to abort or select an embryo based on the results.
Is it ethically legitimate to genetically enhance or alter an embryo based on genetic testing of disease and/or non-disease genes? …show more content…
For example, a dwarf couple seeks a genetic counselor in order to guarantee their child will also be a dwarf. The couple claims they are better suited to parent a dwarf child, enjoy the life as a dwarf, and are involved in the dwarf community; so having a non-dwarf child goes against their beliefs and lifestyle. While the parents have the autonomy to decide on the embryo, choosing the dwarf embryo violates the child’s future autonomy and the right to an open future. Dwarfism is irreversible and commonly seen by the general population as a disability, thus the couple is morally wrong to choose the dwarf embryo. Selecting the “best” embryo does not mean solely for parental purposes, a major aspect is not seizing a child’s open future.
Genetically enhancing an embryo will not only decrease suffering, but will improve society. Allowing disease and non-disease genes to influence the couple’s choice of embryo will lead to a more advanced society. Natural selection, or survival of the fittest, uniformly exists as a part of evolution. Over time the traits that are most beneficial and adaptable to the environment remain, while other undesirable or disadvantageous traits disappear. Genetic enhancement accelerates and aids evolution to create an improved

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