Designer babies

Since the discovery of DNA in the late 1950´s, the possibility of genetic

modification of animals and plants has become a reality. However is the reality of

designer babies going to far? The term designer baby refers to the genetic

modification of the child in it´s early fetal life. The issue has been argued in the media

for a considerable amount of time, but is time for the debate now running out? We

are led to believe that deep in central Europe, it has been rumored to have already

occurred. The world of genetic modification has long moved on from the days of Dolly

the Sheep. This essay will consider both sides of the debate through a consideration

of the medical, moral and ethical views.

The advantages of designer babies from a medical perspective is definitely one of

the stronger arguments. If designer babies were common place and practice, then it

would benefit society in many positive ways. The length of life expectancy could, and

most probably would, be lengthened. Genetic diseases such as Downs Syndrome and

Spina Biffida would be eradicated. The economic saving for the NHS would be an

obvious benefit. The quality of life for those who would of otherwise suffered the
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effects of the disease for which there is no improvement. Major killer diseases, mainly

heart disease, Britons most common cause of death, would certainly be less

common, or eradicated for good. But do we want perfect, disease free individuals?

The advantages for society as a whole would be numerous. This would include

economic advantages; if people were not suffering from genetic diseases the health

care budget could be decreased and the money relocated to other areas of need.

The resources and scientific efforts could be moved into areas which are not

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