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
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