Designer Babies

Essay by PaperNerd ContributorCollege, Undergraduate April 2001

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Designer Babies The idea of "designer babies" has introduced numerous ethical questions within the general public and challenges the morality of the human race. There are so many different beliefs and ideas that are constantly in contrast with each other. Society is generally undereducated in the subject, and is quick to make fast, ignorant judgments regarding it. Medical advances and improved quality of life are some advantages to genetic engineering that clashes with disadvantages and opposing issues, such as ethics and morals. My opinion on the issue is a very transitional position due to the fact that, like most of society, I am very lacking in information to make an educated decision.

There are several advantages put forth in genetically engineered children, or "designer babies." Endless medical possibilities are the bases of these benefits. We now can detect genetic abnormalities and defects in an unborn child, it only makes sense that we should attempt to fix and eliminate these fetal imperfections.

Now, if a couple discovers their unborn child has a genetic deformation or flaw they must make the ethical decision whether to keep or abort the child. If this defect can be genetically altered and fixed, this would prevent an end of the pregnancy. Also, with further technological advances, it could be determined whether a couple would pass on genetic malformations on to a wanted child. If this was possible the couple only faces the decision of still having a child despite the possibility of problems instead of possibly abortion. In the future, genetic engineering may cure diseases, disorders and defects. Diseases that have lived through generations by genetics can be eliminated completely in time. Genes that cause defects and disorders can be removed or turned off. The quality of life and its expectancy would increase rapidly.

In conflict...