Ethical Dilemma of Genetically Modified Babies (CONS)
By Rita Debbaneh
A designer baby is an infant that has been genetically modified as an embryo. This grants a numerous amount of advantages, as lethal diseases can be avoided, disorders can be prevented, and the baby will have the chance to have a healthy life. However, the cons shouldn't be overlooked, as there is a large number of them, and each are accurate and pose as serious questions.
The process to genetically modify the gene carried from the parent to the offspring takes place when it is an embryo, and is known as Inheritable Gene Modification. The technology needed for this to happen is only in an experimental phase right now, so it's unknown on how the gene pool will be affected. Geneticists will make mistakes when evaluating the gene, so it's possible that the desired outcome may not be attained.
Since designer babies are meant to be modified, in order to avoid any flaws, it will be easy to detect them in society, by their intelligence and looks. This will create "classes" among the designer babies and the babies conceived normally. Furthermore, many people may not be able to afford the costly price for such a scientific venture, so another reason for the creation of "classes" will be eminent. Eventually, everyone will be "perfect" and nobody will carry the uniqueness of "difference." And the lines of
ethnicities will be blurred, as this problem connects to the surge of Nazi eugenics in the 1940s.
In conclusion, there are numerous problems to genetically modified babies. These shouldn't be taken lightly, whether it's the problem of technology or the conflicts between superficial "classes." Each con holds a lot of negative weight, and making a designer baby shouldn't take place without the consideration of these problems.
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Important Vocab
Inheritable Gene Modification: The change or modification of the genome or gene carried from the parent organism to the offspring. A current example is the possibility of designer babies, which this article discusses. In agriculture, companies like Monsanto use GMOs as their crop products, to enhance certain aspects or add nutritional values.
Embryo: A fertilized egg.
Gene: Hereditary information carried from the parent organism to the offspring by DNA.
Designer Babies: Genetically modified babies. Due to gene modification, they are more intelligent, have better appearances, and are healthier. For now, only the sex of the baby can be chosen, but later on, more possibilities like hair color or life span can be determined.
