Argumentative Essay On Designer Babies
Felicia Houston
28 Apr. 2012
ENG 121/ G81 Argumentation Essay Final Draft
If prospective parents could give their unborn child the possibility of possessing the “perfect genetic package,” should they do it? What would be the repercussions? The term “designer baby” is defined as a baby whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected and controlled by genetic engineering, combined with in vitro fertilization to ensure the presence or absence of particular genes or characteristics in order to satisfy his or her parents’ expectations (Johnson). Where should the line be drawn? Should it be allowed to genetically modify, design or alter children solely at their parents’ discretion? With major progression through research, genetic …show more content…
There are potential positive benefits that could come from genetic screening. Couples could profit from genetic manipulation, as it is said to reduce the risks of, or completely eliminate, hereditary life threatening diseases (Cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, Spina bifida, etc.) from being inherited by their unborn child. Advocates of genetic engineering argue that couples who are carriers of hereditary conditions could avoid emotional hardships by knowing that their children would not inherit a life-threatening disease. Designer babies would also give infertile couples the option of having children. Designing a child would give prospective parents the luxury of choosing desirable traits for their offspring, such as sex, hair color, height, personality, intelligence, and …show more content…
Since genetic engineering is a relatively new process, designer babies cannot be a guaranteed success; and the long term result is unknown. There are so many contributing factors that make a person a person; we cannot presume that science is fully reliable in improving the human condition. Science may have good intentions when seeking to improve life but fails to accept that it does not and cannot know what life is. After all, we are talking about an innocent being that has no say about the outcome of his or her life. Genetically engineering a baby is not natural; altering the natural process is preventing the child from becoming who he or she was intended to be. Being distinctive is a beautiful thing; designer babies will only promote unity and reduce diversity within our society. The results could be an indirect reproduction of the Holocaust, creating the “perfect race” by choosing traits that are superior and eliminating the undesirables. Widespread use of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis will cause even greater divisions between social classes. As designer babies range from $15,000 to $20,000, only the affluent portion of the population is able to utilize these procedures. Denying low income families the privileges of designing a child with these superior traits will result in those families being discriminated
28 Apr. 2012
ENG 121/ G81 Argumentation Essay Final Draft
If prospective parents could give their unborn child the possibility of possessing the “perfect genetic package,” should they do it? What would be the repercussions? The term “designer baby” is defined as a baby whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected and controlled by genetic engineering, combined with in vitro fertilization to ensure the presence or absence of particular genes or characteristics in order to satisfy his or her parents’ expectations (Johnson). Where should the line be drawn? Should it be allowed to genetically modify, design or alter children solely at their parents’ discretion? With major progression through research, genetic …show more content…
There are potential positive benefits that could come from genetic screening. Couples could profit from genetic manipulation, as it is said to reduce the risks of, or completely eliminate, hereditary life threatening diseases (Cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, Spina bifida, etc.) from being inherited by their unborn child. Advocates of genetic engineering argue that couples who are carriers of hereditary conditions could avoid emotional hardships by knowing that their children would not inherit a life-threatening disease. Designer babies would also give infertile couples the option of having children. Designing a child would give prospective parents the luxury of choosing desirable traits for their offspring, such as sex, hair color, height, personality, intelligence, and …show more content…
Since genetic engineering is a relatively new process, designer babies cannot be a guaranteed success; and the long term result is unknown. There are so many contributing factors that make a person a person; we cannot presume that science is fully reliable in improving the human condition. Science may have good intentions when seeking to improve life but fails to accept that it does not and cannot know what life is. After all, we are talking about an innocent being that has no say about the outcome of his or her life. Genetically engineering a baby is not natural; altering the natural process is preventing the child from becoming who he or she was intended to be. Being distinctive is a beautiful thing; designer babies will only promote unity and reduce diversity within our society. The results could be an indirect reproduction of the Holocaust, creating the “perfect race” by choosing traits that are superior and eliminating the undesirables. Widespread use of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis will cause even greater divisions between social classes. As designer babies range from $15,000 to $20,000, only the affluent portion of the population is able to utilize these procedures. Denying low income families the privileges of designing a child with these superior traits will result in those families being discriminated