What is a designer baby?
The term Designer baby is a term used by the media to describe such complex events, in which the embryos of a baby are modified in order to choose a desirable appearance. Just in 2004, the term designer baby was made a reality after frequent research and testing have proved of a possibility of modifying genes to create a “perfect child”. The purpose of this procedure is to eliminate numerous flaws that cause imperfections on a baby, such as diseases, odd appearances, undesirable qualities, and etc. The procedure has grown more advance over the years that even the simplest thing is being altered, such as eye, hair colour and complexion. What are the Technologies used?
The most popular method of performing this operation is In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF). IVF is a procedure in which egg cells are fertilized by sperm outside the body. During this process, the ova from a woman is removed from the ovaries and placed with a sperm cell in a special liquid to control its fertilization. The process of IVF is associated with a technique known as Pre-Implantation Genetics Diagnosis (PGD). In this procedure the embryos are closely examined for imperfections and defects prior to implanting it in the womb. This procedure allows the genes to be modified or replaced in order to achieve a faultless child.Is it Right or Wrong?
The subject of designer babies stir up plenty arguments revolving around whether such method is morally correct or incorrect. There are two main views involving this topic, the scientific view and religious view. The religious side completely oppose of these sort of operation as it goes against many beliefs and faith. Religion sees this situation as, babies are born the way they are for a reason chosen by God, despite any illnesses, physical /mental imperfections. Also, having to decide of the child’s genes is considered to be religiously incorrect, as instead of having God to choose, the parents take that role. Due, to designer babies the image of new born babies has changed from gifts from Gods to daily commodities. In the other hand, science views this as a revolutionary discovery. To many, designer babies are considered to be a beneficial piece of technology since, most of its benefits include: cosmetic procedures, immunity from numerous diseases, ability to choose ones gender, replacement of faulty DNA and many more. Conclusion
People often complain that the procedures and outcomes due to IVF and PGD are morally incorrect, however they fail to see what is really morally incorrect. These people would rather risk their children inheriting many deadly diseases and would allow their children to suffer instead of having their children’s genes altered in order to avoid fatal illnesses, which is a reasonable conclusion coming from a religious point of view. But coming from a scientific view, designer babies is a helpful method in growing a much healthier and illness free population. So in conclusion, what is really morally incorrect is in the way you abuse such procedures. Most people in our society will extend their usage of IVF and PGD for cosmetic purposes and equipping their children with special traits, which is considered to be “playing God” and not morally accepted. But, if usage is only to assist the child in living a healthier life, then maybe it can be considered morally correct. I personally am not against such procedures, since I believe it is the key into a healthier and brighter future for the next generation. Although some of its procedures go against my beliefs, I believe Designer Babies should still be continued.
Hey, nice posting felix
ReplyDeleteI really do think genetic engineering has it's limits. It's fine to eliminate genetic disorders and choose between a boy and a girl, but using this technology for something as useless as vanity is really pointless. I do agree as a Catholic that we need to draw the line when genetic engineering goes to far and eliminates our uniqueness that God has given us. With so many odd minds in our society, theres no doubt that couples will experiment with their babies. Just like you said in your post, I think genetic engineering is useful and should be continued, but the only thing stopping people from misuing this technology is raised awareness and drawing the line to some extent. Nevertheless, keep up the good posting Flex.
After reading your post I may have seen designing babies in a different lighting. I really think now that research in designer babies should not be wasted. Continuing this research would definitely benefit the human race in the long run. If we continue in the research of designer babies the future generations of human beings would be immune to any kind of sickness. If parents around the world decided what their children would look like and what traits or personalities they would have would decrease insecurity of looks or whatever hobbies that their child possess when they when they grow up. These designer babies could also be designed as great leaders which would definitely lower the chance of war or any act act of violence against any country.
ReplyDeleteI really think that the religious point of view is somehow weak. After all christianity isn't the only religion in the world and its up to people if they want a designer baby or not. Designer babies is just research it up to the people if they're going to use it or not.
Nice posting felix,
ReplyDeleteI understand your position on the matter. We should do whatever we can to end as many illnesses and diseases as possible. It is unfair to be born and condemned to a lifestyle that is considered undesirable and objectionable. However, we also need to think about the line between treating illnesses, and simply enhancing certain qualities. I think that these sort of advancements are necessary, and even though it may sound bad, I think we should see what the perfect person would become, but at the same time, who are we to make these decisions. Especially if you're very religious, some things are just meant to be, and maybe we shouldn't be messing with these details.
But just like you said, I think that anything we can do to cure illness, we should. However we must remember there is a line that shouldn't be crossed, and we must be wary of it.
After having the opportunity to read your post, I can see and agree with your positions on this topic. Being that we should be using genetic engineering to further our advacnements in stopping the carry down to the next generate of certain diseases instead of trying to play the role of God in creating human beings to our likings.
ReplyDeleteYou've helped show people that there is a bright side in our research in molecular biology, but it how we plan on using it.