As thing stand today there are no genetically babies
produced so far. But it is very much in the realm of scientifically
possibilities.
One of the reasons that this branch of
science has not progressed a fast as it could have are the controversies regarding
ethical aspects of such making genetically modified babies. This has resulted in direct
government action restricting such activities as well as in support in form of funding
and people willing to take up projects in this area.
I
believe the biggest ethical concern associated with producing genetically modified
babies is the great degree of uncertainties regarding the unintended and unexpected
creation of living beings that may be directly harmful to the humanity. Also it is quite
possible that such development may result in great personal pain and miseries for the
people given life in this way. There appear to be no great benefits of genetically
modified babies to warrant such babies.
The next ethical
problem of genetically modified babies is the possible misuse of such technology for
breeding people of different kind of people just like we breed cattle and other living
things in captivity. This will result in dehumanising the human beings. Also there is a
value in diversity. Genetically modified babies will create a strong force or tendency
acting against diversity in human nature and
capabilities.
The standardization and regimentation that
will be possible with creation genetically modified babies can lead to rather dismal
situation of very rigid division of society in different classes, as envisage in some
science fiction like 1984.
Genetically
modified babies may also have unexpected negative repercussions on the family life and
family value.
The power to produce genetically modified
babies with specified traits is likely to reduce the human tolerance for people who do
not conform to physical traits of our liking. This kind of intolerance for fellow human
quite opposite to all ethical thinking.
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