Pros Genetic Screening The process of genetic screening can minimize the chances of a baby being born with serious genetic diseases including; Down's Syndrome, Turner's Syndrome, and Kleinfelter's syndrome. The case of Adam Nash: In the year 2000, Adam Nash was the first known designer baby to be born with the help of the preimplantation process. Scientists genetically selected his embryo so that he would possess the right cells to save his sister's life. His sister had Fanconi's Anemia, a blood disorder that can be treated with the use of stem cell transplantation. The stem cells however must be from a donor who is a direct match. In this case Adam was screened to insure that he did not have the disorder and was a match to his sister. The case of Charlie Whitaker: Charlie suffered from Diamond-Blackfan Anemia. His parents screened for an embryo that could save Charlie's life. In 2003, his brother was born and his umbilical stem cells were used to treat Charlie.  | Information on the process and fears of Designer Babies
Inherited Genetic Conditions Families with a history of inherited medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension or diseases such as Parkinson's, Thalassemia, cancer, arthritis, hypothyroidism, and Alzheimer's disease can use PGD as a method to prevent the next generation from inheriting the genes associated with these diseases. The disease-bearing genes can be screened for and only the embryo's not expressing the genes can be implanted into the uterus. Parents can be assured that their children will not suffer through the same diseases and illnesses that they or other family members do.Ethical Debate on Designer Babies |
Cons
Genetic Enhancements
Genetic engineering in the future could be used for cosmetic reasons. People have begun asking "Is it ethical to create designer babies with enhanced physical ability or appearance?" Some say that if genetic enhancements are used then the level of biodiversity in the human race will go down. Along with that, genetic enhancements also cost thousands of dollars to complete the IVF and PGD process.
Eugenics
Definition: "The study of or belief in the possibility of improving the qualities of the human species or a human population, by such means as discouraging reproduction by persons having genetic defects or presumed to have inheritable undesirable traits"
Creating designer babies is believed to be along the same lines as Eugenics. When the possibility of genetically enhancing an embryo develops the question of which skin color or physical features would be chosen arises. Along with that parents having the ability to choose if their child will be good at certain sports or excel in academic areas can be seen as limiting the child's freedom to choose later in life.
The use of genetic enhancements can also result in a society that eventually discriminates against those who are not genetically engineered. Children born into wealthy families will receive genetic enhancement resulting in a new form of class separation that goes beyond just what many consider the socio-economic breakdown.
