Designer Baby Essay

A designer baby is defined as an embryo genetically engineered in vitro for specially selected traits, which can vary from lowered disease-risk to gender selection. Genetic selection is a relatively new process. This process began as research to help with life altering disorders in embryos for couples hoping to create a healthy child. In recent years many clinics have begun to offer cosmetic changes to embryos. These include hair and eye color, skin complexion and more commonly talked about in media the sex of the child. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments are the way these selections and alterations take place. Through testings parents can know what their child may face and decide weather to

Despite all the varieties and interpretations we can still identify some central themes, values, and interests that give transhumanism its distinct identity. Through the H+ movement the technologies to allow for genetic selection have flourished (Hughes). Through these technologies many fear parents will see their children as products rather than their children. Ronald Green states in Babies by Designs“Parents’ response to a new child might go from excited appreciation to asking how well the newcomer measures up to expectations.”(109). Although this can be a legitimate concern a genuine moral respect for embryos can be joined with their use, alterations, and destruction in legitimate research. Those who choose to genetically alter their child are doing it for the benefit of their child. Many clinics have offered cosmetic alterations, but parents who use these options may feel it is the best option for their child. Meaning parents may see certain traits as “bully targets.” Some may see these alteration options as a tear at the “love yourself” movement others see this as solving an impossible problem. (Hughes)