Over the years, the understanding of the human genome increases to the point where the every gene and chemical base pairs of the human genome has already been mapped out (Catalano, np). What it implies is that if the effects and interactions of the genes would be fully understood, then humanity has the power to control and manipulate the characteristics of an unborn child. Of course, this action will be subjected to moral and ethical issues. Nonetheless, its practical uses, when fully understood, will be ultimately useful. Therefore, engineering human genetics should be allowed for medical purposes (Sousa and Barros, 596). To understand the sensation of the debate whether genetic engineering should be practiced to humans, it must be necessary to understand the use of genetic engineering and the implications of allowing genetic engineering to societies (Catalano, np). After reading this paper, it should be clear that genetic engineering shall not be used in creating “designer babies”, but for medical purposes only, and that there is an importance in creating a national regulation for the use of such technology. Thus, the question whether to use the technology or not will depend on the purpose. Therefore, I disagree with using genetic engineering for designing an ideal generation.
In general, families protect each of the family members. In the case where an embryo was observed to be carrying genes that would prove fatal, what could the parents do? Nowadays, there have been series of studies and research regarding altering the genetic material of plants and animals. When proven to be successful with humans, this innovation will prove to be useful in medical sciences due to its ability to save lives (Sousa and Barros, 596). For instance, if the embryo was seen to be carrying a genetic code for a serious medical illness that would prove to be fatal, this particular genetic code could be changed and altered so that the medical illness will be eliminated while having no significant harmful side effects to the baby. Thus, in this scenario, where a life is at stake, genetic engineering should be allowed (Freely, np).
On the other hand, genetic engineering implies the power of humanity in changing the course of human history. Genetic engineering could be used to create an ideal generation by altering their genetic codes so that they will carry the genes responsible for having high intellectual properties, physical strength, and aesthetic beauty (Sousa and Barros, 596). Of course, it also implies the ability of parents to create an ideal family (Catalano, np). But the bigger question is, should we allow genetic engineering to be used this way? The answer to this question is no. But, why not?
It seems to be tempting to create an ideal family. But, because of the sociology like today’s social order, practicing genetic engineering for this purpose would seem destructive. To desire for particular traits for a child is acceptable. If allowed, genetic engineering could create children that are smarter, more athletic, and better looking. But, at the same time, it would also cause a disruption in the social stratification (Dahl, 597). This is because it will create a wider gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots”, or between the “ideal” and the “non-ideal”. This social gap will expand further due to the fact that the wealthy can afford the procedure easily, while the poor will remain on the bottom of the social scale (Catalano, np).
In addition, allowing genetic engineering to be used to create an ideal family have flaws. Technically, the genetic code is just one of the factors behind the characteristics or the traits of a person. The environment around the person is also a great factor contributing to the behaviors of a person. A genetically designed human being could display traits opposite of his or her designed traits. Therefore, if genetic engineering is allowed, parents should still create the perfect environment for the baby (Dahl, 597). Also, it would imply degradation of the values of parenthood, which aims not to create the best children, but giving them the best lives by making them feel loved, accepted, and wanted (Catalano, np). Also, to change the genetic code of a child means altering his or her characteristics and talents. It may seem logical to desire the best child, but that would only imply that the life of the child would be mostly affected by one single decision of the parents (Dahl, 597). The freedom of the child to be “him” or “her” will be lost (Catalano, np).
Therefore, to use genetic engineering to create an ideal family should not be allowed. Parents will always desire for a healthy child on all aspects. But generally, that does not imply that children with defects will be rejected by parents. On the other hand, genetic engineering should be allowed to be used for medical purposes. So, how do we make this work?
With the ideas presented, the most obvious choice is to have good systematic regulation. In this regulation, it should state that genetic engineering shall only be used for medical purposes. Of course, there must be a regulatory board that will approve the use of genetic engineering. There must be concrete bounds for the use of genetic engineering. Moreover, there should exist a regulation on the technologies of genetic engineering (Catalano, np).
In summary, genetic engineering of children is a sensational debate. There are many questions about its use, moral and ethical views, as well as the implications of such use. Series of research has been made to prove that the use of genetic engineering could save lives by altering the genetic code responsible for defects. But, as the success of genetic engineering reaches society, there had been questions about its morality and ethics. Genetic engineering should not be allowed to alter the genetic code for creating an ideal generation. This is because it would create wider gaps in the social order and intensification of discrimination. Also, the process oppresses the freedom of the child to be his or her natural self. Moreover, genetics is not the only factor behind a child’s traits, and environment is considered a big factor. Therefore, it should only imply that an ideal child is not just based on his or her genetics, but by the type of parenting he or she was raised. Overall, the use of genetic engineering shall be only for medical purposes. And for this to achieve, a systematic regulation shall be created.
References:
Biggs, H. “Designer Babies: Where Should We Draw the Line?”. Institute of Ideas. J Med Ethics. 2004. Print.
Catalano, Michael. “The Prospect of Designer Babies: Is it Inevitable?”. PIT Journal, cycle 3. 2012. Print.
Dahl, E. “Babies by Design: A Response to Martin Johnson’s Moral Case Study on Tissue Typing”. University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia. Reproductive BioMedicine Online vol. 9, No. 6: page 597. 1 November 2004. Print
Freely, M. “Designer Babies and Other Fairy Tales”. New Statesman. 4 March 2002. Print.
Sousa, M., Barros, A. “A Moral Case Study for Discussion: Designer Babies and Tissue Typing” Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Laboratory of Cell Biology, ICBAS, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. Reproductive BioMedicine Online vol. 9, No. 6: pages 596-597. 1 November 2004. Print.
