Designer Babies

Term Paper # 95477

Biology > Bioethics
Ethics
Hot Topics > Stem Cell Research

Designer Babies

A discussion on the ethical considerations concerning the human genome project and an exploration of the recent advancements within genetic engineering.

2,093 words () | 14 sources | MLA | 2007 France

Paper Summary:

This papers considers the question of whether parents should be allowed to design their own babies from two different positions. First, it looks at the arguments of a group of doctors and scientists working on incurable, child killing genetic diseases, who are in favor of granting permission for such approaches as embryo screening. Then it considers the position of an environmentally and ethically concerned organization, which although not fundamentally opposed to genetic engineering approaches, fears that this approach is a step too far.

From the Paper:

"Genetic scientists have already found the key that will give man the capacity to change the shape and destiny of human beings. Babies-to-order are no longer the futuristic fantasy of science fiction novels; the ability to design future members of the human race has already become a scientific reality. And as this technique advances, so will man's potential power to create, and fundamentally change, chosen aspects of human genetic make-up. This fact has already been understood by genetic engineering, and is being increasingly applied, as more and more parents opt for embryo screening (Shannon Brownlee, Washington Post, 2002)."

Sample of Sources Used:

AFA Issues: Pro-Life, Online Article, 2007 < http://www.afa.net/prolife/Default.asp?y=2006&m=5&id=11>
BBC News, Designing Babies: The future of genetics, Online Article, 2000. Page downloaded 03/15/2007. < http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/590919.stm>
Bionet: Explore life science and debate the issues, Online Article, Design-a-Baby? 2007. Page Downloaded 03/12/2007. <http://www.bionetonline.org/English/Content/db_cont1.htm>
Cardiff University, Online Article, 2005, Experts widen bebate on embryo screening risks.<http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/newsevents/media/mediarel/page50455/mr050906a.html>
Caroline Mackie Ogilvie, ets al., Online Article, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis--An Overview, 2007. < www.jhc.org/cgi/content/full/53/3/255>