DESIGNER BABIES. A QUESTION OF ETHICS

With the advent of scientific and technological advancements in the field of human health and medicine, genetic engineering especially genome mapping, sequencing and editing are well within the grasp of the scientific community. Now have disposal powerful tools of Molecular biology, Bioinformatics and Biotechnology to create 'Designer Babies'. 'Designer Babies' as the name suggests are genetically tailor-made embryos, wherein desired traits can be identified in pre-implantation diagnosis by screening with gene-specific markers. These markers can identify disease linked gene(s) and non-disease specific gene(s). Also theoretically, gene editing albeit highly controversial and debatable can also be employed to effectively and efficiently edit the genome of 'Designer Babies' to accent special traits and characteristics e.g. viral resistance in the current scenario of Covid-19 pandemic. The pros and cons of this modus operandi remain contentious and ambivalent to say the least. This article takes a look at the history, frontier research and also the ethical dilemma leading to advancements in genetic research and their application under the commercialized banner of 'Designer Babies'.

A look into genetical engineered babies and it ethical concerns

The purpose of this research was to investigate the controversies of Designer Babies, to study the opinions of the respondents and to contribute as a part in deciding the legalisation of the technology in the possible near future. A survey form was created and distributed using online platforms and physical surveys (handouts), verdicts on the aspects of the technology were asked, and their personal views of the pros and cons of the technology itself. Voices around the world of a diversity of demographic backgrounds and professions were collected. It was found that more than half of the respondents will not participate in this technology leaving the other half, where the majority of them would only utilise the technology only for therapeutic purposes while the minority would venture further in using the technology for non-therapeutic purposes. In overall, the results show a bias towards negative in legalising the technology.

This research paper explores the question-whether it is morally permissible for an auditory impaired parent to create an auditory impaired offspring? It makes an epistemological inquiry into the experiences of persons with auditory impairments to make an informed decision on the question at stake. There is a general attitudinal bias against the disability. On the contrary, arguments have been raised that a parent with auditory impairment may have a moral right and a liberty to have a specially designed deaf baby. It is argued that a deaf parent's desire to have a deaf child, stems from their need to relate linguistically and culturally with the child. It is also in the best interest of the child and the parent. Such arguments seem grossly misguided and are often countered with arguments of 'open future,' and the costs of disability. This research paper seeks to inquire into the epistemic challenges in examining the validity and the soundness of these arguments. It engages into the arguments and counter arguments with respect to whether auditory impairment is a disadvantageous condition to find that deafness does involve an element of harm though it is not only and only harm. It argues against the proposition that laws permitting abortion in case of foetal anomaly are eugenic. It uses Kantian theory to delve into the moral permissibility of the use of genetic engineering for the creation of impairment and enhancement. In the light of moral, ethical and jurisprudential considerations it finds that it is morally impermissible to use genetic interventions to create impairments or enhancements, as it strikes at the humanity in the 'designer babies' and uses them as a means for the satisfaction of desires. Keywords Kant and designer babies • Auditory impairment • Designer babies • Genetic technologies • Morality of impairments and enhancements

American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, 2006

The laudable motivation for this book is to provide a ''springboard for debate'' on the ethics of the ''new embryology''-the biotechnology of assisted reproduction. The equally praiseworthy goal is to ''present enough science so that the reader will be able to make an informed analysis of the issues.. .''.

~ 1 of 45 ~ UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND LLM610 RESEARCH RANYA HAMZEH (220122595)

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/threeparent-babies-britain-votes-strongly-in-favour-of-law-change-10021265.html Having had sight of the article above, critically discuss, with reference to case law and commentary the following statement: ‘Reproductive autonomy does not exist to produce ‘designer babies’. This is outside the scope of the Human Fertilisation Embryology Act 1990.’

This is a brief essay of the technology behind designer babies. The origins stem from a study of genetics. The concept of designer babies fall under Assisted Reproductive Technology and there are a few successful case studies that are mentioned in the essay. This essay also mentions some current issues stemming from this technology and possible future developments in the relevant science and technology fields, as well as societal changes.

Philosophy Compass, 2008

Advances in reproductive genetic engineering have the potential to transform human lives. Not only do they promise to allow us to select children free of diseases, they can also enable us to select children with desirable traits. In this paper, I consider two clusters of arguments for the moral permissibility of reproductive genetic engineering, what I call the Perfectionist View and the Libertarian View; and two clusters of arguments against reproductive genetic engineering, what I call the Human Nature View and the Motivation View. I argue that an adequate theory of the ethics of reproductive genetic engineering should take into account insights gained from these views.