Ethical Issues In Gattaca The Movie

In class we watched the film "Gattaca". The movie follows the main character, Vincent, through a dystopian future that uses an advanced version of Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD). In our world PGD is a medical treatment that involves screening multiple embryos prior to implantation and pregnancy for possible genetic diseases, giving parents the ability to chose the healthiest of the bunch and discarding the rest. However, in the movie they have a much more advanced form of PGD treatment, that gives parents the ability to screen for desired traits other then just possible diseases. Both the movie and PGD itself bring up very controversial questions regarding topics like possible discriminations and the nature of the treatment. Although
In a short article called "Off-The-Peg Offspring in the Genetic Supermarket" written by Colin Gavaghan, he tries to address some of these ethical concerns. Providing two approaches; a restrictive and laissez afire approach. He argues that we should offer a more laissez faire approach, as he believes it should also be freely available. In his article he addresses the concern for discarding the embryos, possible harm to the handicapped, and the nature of PGD. In his article he claims an 8-cell embryo cannot form consciousness and doesn't have the capacity to feel pain prior to ten weeks. He also attempts to question the concern for already existing handicapped people, sympathizing for them, but also making clear that we have no moral obligation to create more handicapped people for moral concerns regarding their population. As he tries to argue his support for PGD, Gavaghan acknowledges that there are possible reasons to be against PGD, but he also makes clear that he believes the benefit it has to society outweighs these moral concerns. In light of his argument, I agree that there are negative consequences to making the treatment available, that are also clearly portrayed in the movie. However, the treatment itself can prevent diseases, future suffering, and possibly increase the overall happiness in the