The concepts presented in the film, Gattaca are not entirely fictional. Advances in science and technology have presented some exceptional cures and treatments for the human species. There are numerous discoveries and inventions that have made the quality of one’s life better than what was once possible. However, along with the numerous phenomenal breakthroughs in medicine, there are also some developments that come into question as unethical. The premise of the movie was structured around genetic engineering of embryos’ to be designed into the perfect human based on the requests of the parents-to-be. The main character Vincent was conceived in the “old fashion way” without the assistance or interference of doctors and scientist who could guarantee parents a child far superior than anything nature could produce (Niccol). Unfortunately upon Vincent’s birth, all of the genetic flaws of disease and ailments, including his lifespan were announced minutes after he enters the world (Niccol). His parents, as did most parents throughout the world, decided to ensure that their second child would be conceived with the help of science. His younger brother Anton was a far superior individual compared to Vincent to due to the advantage of being genetically engineered (Niccol). As the story progresses, the viewer can see that those who are born without the help of in vitro fertilization and genetic engineering are at a clear disadvantage in life and are referred to as “invalids.” Segregation of society based on genetic superiority is one of the concerns deemed unethical about genetically designed humans, yet one could look at the option of designing a flawless child as proof of human evolution through intellectual growth, making it no different than natural selection.
One cannot entirely assume the genetic modification and implantation of embryos selected without the presence of disease, higher IQ, and other preferential characteristics is ethically unsound. There are many justifiable reasons for parents to want to benefit from the options that science and technology have made possible when it comes to their most precious gift of an offspring. No normal person, if given the opportunity, would consciously choose a son or daughter who is predetermined to face excessive hardships in life. If anything it would almost be cruel and questionable for any parent to opt to proceed with giving birth to a baby whose life is doomed and limited as a result of something that could be determined much earlier on.
John A. Robertson presents an insightful examination in an article published in the Human Reproduction journal, titled, “Extending Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: The Ethical Debate Ethical Issues in New Uses of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis.” The article discusses the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) from an ethical perspective. According to Robertson, two primary issues exist in terms of the use of PGD- “One set of objections arises from the need to create and then select embryos on chromosomal or genetic grounds, with the deselected embryos then usually discarded,” and the second is the actual act of selection as an option for determining the child’s genetic make-up (Robertson 466). Many who oppose the use of these methods in screening the genetic make-up of an embryo prior to in vitro fertilization feel as though nature should not be manipulated or intercepted.
It appears that skeptics are not considering the exorbitant benefits that these procedures can have on families who otherwise would be facing a lifetime of struggle and heartbreak. Currently the use of PGD is primarily for increasing the success rate of implanting a viable embryo in the mother-to-be. It makes no sense that when a couple is going through the hardship of using in vitro fertilization as an option that they should have to repeatedly risk the loss of the embryo when pre-screening could prevent that and allow confident implantation. Emotionally the loss of the possible pregnancy could also be deemed unethical when a better option exists.
After all, the process of PGD or IVF or any pre-screening during pregnancy is entirely optional. Not all parents want to find out the sex of the child or any potential disabilities or birth defects that may be present. These parents are not being forced to take this route against their will because that would be unethical. Blocking the use of these procedures is actually the real unjust practice for those who want the best odds possible for their unborn children. If parents want to use these tools to increase their chances of the best possible life for their child, then how can anyone object and declare that the right to do so is unethical?
There are some valid concerns in using these medical procedures that one could understandably question, such as the unknown risk of “designer babies who could face unforeseen genetic problems” (Parry para. 2). Even the need for having a so-called “designer baby” seems a bit obnoxious and elitist. The high cost of these procedures may potentially exclude a large portion of the population from reaping the benefits of having the healthiest children with an advantage at life. This is probably one of the most concerning factors when discussing the use of genetic engineering in creating perfect human beings. The undeniable reality is that classism and those on the bottom end of the social classes will be condemned to remain in the bottom with no hope for their children. Going back to the movie Gattaca, it would be entirely unethical to punish groups that were born of natural conception to be divided and limited in their opportunities in life as Vincent originally was prior to obtaining a new identity.
Despite some of the challenges presented in regard to genetic alteration or selection prior to fertilization, there are too many positive outcomes that justify and negate any question of genetic engineering as unethical. Needless to say, there should be a stringent approach to the practice of gene selection or screening. It is a serious and profound act to have the power to manipulate the genetic make-up of an individual, which entails a high degree of caution and integrity. If boundaries and regulations are set and strictly enforced, the risks of foul play would reduce unethical practices from occurring. Additionally, as access to genetic engineering become common and more people select this method of conceiving a child, similar to the movie, then some policies should be set making it affordable for anyone. By doing this, the exclusivity of the procedure would seize to exist. Then, all classes of society, whether in the lowest socio-economic class or middle class groups, the option would be available regardless of income level. That would surely help enforce ethical practices in equality that would be due to all members of society and not just the elite.
Gattaca explores a reality that is not only scientifically possible, but poses some believable challenges that may exist as a result of genetically perfected human beings. The movie encourages questions to be considered in how a transition could be ethically managed among those who have naturally conceived children either by choice or prior to the options being available to all. One would hope that if PGD and other options involving genetic engineering continue to expand that the opportunity be given to all of society, and for those individuals who are born of the natural method there should not be a hindrance to what they are able to do in their life. There should not be any type of bias for or against either type of individual. The movie allows one to recognize some of the flaws that could arise through the genetic perfection of the human being, which should help serve as a guideline of things that should be avoided.
Works Cited
Gattaca. Dir. Andrew Niccol. Perf. Ethan Hawke, Jude Law, Uma Thurman. Continental Film,
1997.
Parry, Wynne. "Designing Life: Should Babies Be Genetically Engineered?." Live Science
(2013). Web.
http://www.basd.net/cms/lib2/PA01001269/Centricity/Domain/723/Designing%20Life.p
df
Robertson, John A. "Extending Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis: The Ethical Debate Ethical
Issues in New Uses of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis." Human Reproduction 18.3
(2003): 465-71. Web.
