Designer Babies The Advancements In Science And Technology

Designer Babies
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Some people may think that genetically modified babies only exist in science fiction movies, but with the advancements in science and technology, it is now possible to edit genes and carry out artificial fertilization in order to get designer babies. According to Ronald Green, a designer baby is created through genetic modification or genetic screening, a process in which a set of technologies is used to edit or modify the embryo cells. It also involves the transfer of genes from one individual to another to create opportunities for the genetic makeup (Green, 2015, p. 4). There are over 200 embryo cells to choose from, all of which are made by in vitro fertilization (IVF) using male and female’s sperm and eggs. Designer babies represent an area within embryology that draws out various ethical concerns regarding whether it should be implemented or not.
Many issues are associated with designer babies even though it can increase the life expectancy by up to 40 years (Silverstein, 2010). When a baby is genetically modified, most of the defective genes are replaced by healthy genes, which are kept at their right place. Thus, the baby you are going to get will be genetically perfect, with a few chances of disability or weakness. During the genetic screening process, doctors deal with all medical issues at an early stage and enhance the baby’s overall capabilities. As a result, it decreases the chances of genetic disorders. The most important genetic diseases that are dealt with at this stage are Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Huntington’s disease, and others. In some situations, the doctors may not be able to ensure the baby’s health completely, but they can at least reduce the chances of getting affected by any genetic disease. Thus, the long-term survival of the baby is almost guaranteed.
Also, diseases like cancer, diabetes, anemia, obesity and high blood pressure are dealt with in the beginning. The health experts choose the best genes, so the baby is chanced of getting obese are reduced to an extent. However, it is not guaranteed that the baby will stay fit and active given that he or she has been living a lazy life or eating many snack foods. According to Stephen Wilkinson, designer babies have a sharper and better mind than the other babies. They are developed in a way that their physical and mental capabilities are enhanced before they are handed over to the couples (Wilkinson, 2005, p. 45). They can contribute to the betterment and prosperity of the society once they receive education and are ready to begin their practical lives. In th...