ARGUMENTS FOR DESIGNER BABIES
A very good argument that can be made to justify the use of ‘designer babies’ and the scientific principles involved is the fact that it can be used to help prevent disease, this is quite possibly the most constructive argument for the topic and some points that support this are as follows:
Another argument for designer babies is Enhancement, scientists have predicted that with the use of the technology we have now and will have in the near future we will be able to build stronger, better-looking and more intelligent human beings. Below are some supporting arguments:
The final base argument is simply that it is the parent’s choice and that the parent will do what they want whether or not genetic engineering is involved. Parents already manipulate the way their kids turn out massively, the food they feed them changes their health and appearance, the environment they put their children in shapes them. So why not do this genetically? If a parent wants their child to become a talented musician they will take them to music classes to help them develop an interest, this is technically no less ethical than manipulating their DNA to change their characteristics. Also, in the United States, parents have the right of their children under the age of 18. With that said, it is easily argued that the parents have a right to their own children’s genes and mutations.
- Since diseases are often hereditary, families may already have sick children and be unable to look after another
- People are allowed to have abortions for disabled children, this is much less painful alternative
- It is the parents who look after the child, they should be able to choose
- A parent could already have a disability themselves and would be unable to cater for a child with the same condition
- Some couples are unable to have children as they will likely be born with disease, this gives them a way to have their own healthy child
- Spare part children, if a family have a child with a serious blood disease, the parent can select an embryo with the right blood type so that the new child can act as a blood or bone marrow donor to its sibling
- The Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs released a statement supporting the use of genetic selection as a means to prevent or cure disease.
- Over time it could eliminate hereditary diseases.
Another argument for designer babies is Enhancement, scientists have predicted that with the use of the technology we have now and will have in the near future we will be able to build stronger, better-looking and more intelligent human beings. Below are some supporting arguments:
- We spend enormous amounts of time and money to make ourselves stronger, fitter and more intelligent, why not just do this by genetic engineering?
- It provides the child with the best possible start to life
- We freely use genetic engineering techniques to enhance crops and animals, why not humans?
- It is effectively just speeding up evolution
- It is proven that people who are healthier, more attractive and more intelligent are likely to be happier
- Over time we could potentially create a superior race of human beings
- If we are going to reproduce, why not make the children as healthy and intelligent as possible?
- With more intelligent and more capable kids, they are more likely to make a positive change to society and it gives society as a whole a much greater potential
The final base argument is simply that it is the parent’s choice and that the parent will do what they want whether or not genetic engineering is involved. Parents already manipulate the way their kids turn out massively, the food they feed them changes their health and appearance, the environment they put their children in shapes them. So why not do this genetically? If a parent wants their child to become a talented musician they will take them to music classes to help them develop an interest, this is technically no less ethical than manipulating their DNA to change their characteristics. Also, in the United States, parents have the right of their children under the age of 18. With that said, it is easily argued that the parents have a right to their own children’s genes and mutations.