Should Parents Be Able to Design Their Own Babies - Essay Example

Should Parent be Able to Design Their Own Babies Birmingham, UK: June 14, 2030 Sarah is staring down at the sleepingform of her newly-born son, Marc. "We chose him especially from our frozen embryos," she says. "Martin, my husband, didn't want him to turn out alcoholic, like his father, and we didn't like the idea of him being obese like my mother's sister." Vanessa, on the other side of the hospital, is in labour. She is staring at the computer-generated pictures on the table next to her, which show the images of the child that she is about to give birth too. A healthy, blue-eyed child, is displayed at various stages of her childhood. However, what is hidden behind the images of the healthy little girl, is that she has a gene ensuring that she will never fall victim to the HIV virus. Introduction Genetic scientists have already found the key that will give man the capacity to change the shape and destiny of human beings. Babies-to-order are no longer the futuristic fantasy of science fiction novels; the ability to design future members of the human race has already become a scientific reality. And as this technique advances, so will man's potential power to create, and fundamentally change, chosen aspects of human genetic make-up. This fact has already been understood by genetic engineering, and is being increasingly applied, as more and more parents opt for embryo screening (Shannon Brownlee, Washington Post, 2002). The choice of having embryo's screened to determine the presence of various life-threatening diseases, became UK law in 1990, with the introduction of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act. Then in April 1997, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe passed the European Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine (GMO: Genetic Engineering, 2007). The resulting document, which was signed by 41 MP's from different countries, clearly states that genetic testing can only be performed in relation to health purposes, and that gender selection is forbidden, unless pertaining to a serious hereditary sex-related disease (Donald Bruce, 2007). The recent use of the approach of preimplantation genetic diagnosis in determining whether cancer cells were present in embryos, before implanting them into the wombs of four perpective mothers, took the use of PGD one step further. The acceptance of cancer as a possible disease that can now be treated by PGD, has pushed ethical, and legal, barriers forward (Sarah-Kate Templeton, TimesOnline, 2007). This development, and science's recognised ability to introduce esthetic elements into human embryos, are raising serious questions, as concerned groups and organisations attempt to define man's moral, ethical, and social guide lines. According to the BBC; In just four years time, the Human Genome Project, will have unraveled the locations and identities of every single component of the genome..... [this] will help lead to the identification of genes responsible for character traits such as predisposition to happiness and intelligence - as well as physical characteristics such as hair and eye colour (BBC News, 2000). This essay will be considering the question of whether parents should be allowed to design their own babies from two different positions. First, it will consider the arguments of a group of doctors and scientists working on incurable, child killing genetic diseases, who are in favour of granting permission for such approaches as embryo screening. Then it will be considering the position of an environmentally and ethically concerned organisation, which although not fundamentally opposed to genetic engineering approaches, fears that this approach is a step too far, and who therefore will be denying permission. Brussels, September 200..... Conference Report for Doctors & Scientists: Making Decisions for PGD. Man's war against disease, over the past decade, has advanced dramatically through the introduction of such techniques as PGD. This approach, which has already been used to fight such disorders as Huntington's disease, cystic fibrosis, and, more recently, cancer, opens the way for undreamt of possibilities concerning both the future diagnoses of different diseases, and their subsequent treatments. This tremendous advance, could potentially lead to the elimination, or cure, of numerous fatal conditions, which would bring hope to the whole of mankind (Genetic Engineering, 2007). Is the human race capable of envisioning a world where certain diseases, such as cancer, the HIV infection, and cystic fibrosis have become distant memories of the past Science is now in the position of possibly being able to fullfil this incredible step, as the science of genetic engineering rapidly advances, taking the only logical step forward as it seeks to implement recent discoveries that will help combat disease (Genetic Engineering, 2007). Throughout the world, thousands of children are born with life-threatening diseases, which man is now potentially capable of either treating, or maybe even entirely eliminating. By allowing genetic scientists the necessary freedom to continue with research, and to use the recent advancements that science has made in embryo screening, future generations will be able to live longer, and healthier, lives (Genetic Engineering, 2007). In recent years genetic science has already saved, and changed, the lives of many, giving hope to families facing desperate situations. Adam Nash's birth, in August 2000, was just one example, which so clearly demonstates the new adventure that is just beginning to open before man. Adam's embryo was chosen after having been screened for Fanconi anemia, which is a rare, often fatal, congenital blood disorder, due to the fact that Adam's parents' were both carriers of the disease. Having already a child, Molly, who had been born with the rare blood disorder, the Nash's wanted a sibling for their little girl, but one who wasn't inflicted with the same disorder. However, when doctors pointed out that it was also possible, through the use of PGD, to find an embryo with tissue that matched that of Molly's, which would lead to their daughter being cured, the Nash's decided to go ahead with the second screening procedure. Today both Molly and Adam Nash are healthy, normal children that can, along with their parents, look ahead with confidence (ScienCentralNews, 2004). It is man's moral duty to allow continued scientific research in this field to advance the human race - if he is to make any headway in understanding the nature of disease, its origins and its cure. The endless possibilites that can be gained, through the application of genetical approaches to change the human genome, are almost beyond imagination. And, although there is a need to address both the ethical and social questions that have been raised by those who fear the posibility of 'designer babies', medical science must be allowed to progress, if we are ever to successfully combat diseases and conditions that both wreck lives, and kill human beings (Genetic Engineering, 2007). The futuristic possibilities are immense; but genes offering protection against fatal and crippling diseases are not only of the benefits of this incredible medical advancement. There are also genes that enhance intelligence, the five senses, beauty, and almost every other aspect of man, which open up other avenues of exploration. Many animals, for example, possess skills and senses that humans don't have; such as better hearing, or leg regeneration. In the future it may be possible, through gene identification, to incorporate these functions into humans (Genetic Engineering, 2007), and use them to heal conditions such as deafness, or in limb replacement - the possibilities are endless. Until recently, women with known genetic diseases had only one choice in trying to produce a healthy child; that of prevention. Amniocentesis, which involves the removal and testing of the amniotic fluid, indicates whether cells reveal any presence of diseases such as Down's syndrome, and other conditions, which then gives the mother the choice of termination if tests are positive. However, even when determined as healthy, the fetus could still be carrying a 'faulty' gene, which will result in the presence of the disease in future generations (ScienCentralNews, 2004). The first time PGD was used to ascertain the presence of matching tissue, was in the above case concerning Adam Nash. This was an important step forward in the advancement of the approach, because not only did its use result in a cure for Adam's sibling, but it also resulted in changing the health expectations of future generations of the Nash family. Although it is clear that ethical and social questions concerning the future use of genetic engineering within modern society, will need to addressed; including appropriate democratic laws and structures that will hopefully reflect a considered and balanced view of the importance of genetic medicine for future generations; such measures should not, in the opinion of those groups of science present at this conference, be allowed to interfere with future scientific research. London, September 200..... Conference Report: Environmentally Concerned Organisations: Making Decisions for PGD . Ethical, social, and moral questions have all been raised concerning the advancements in PGD, and what its use will mean for future generations. Today, science is able to accomplish far more than man ever dreamed possible, and while clearly recognising the importance of this huge medical advancement, there are many questions and issues that need to be addressed. Therefore, in support of its decision to deny permission concerning any future usage of PGD, this conference report will be addressing the reasons for its position. The question of "how far should we go", which was not that long ago on the lips of those involved in life sciences, has already changed to the more philosphical "har far do we have the right to go", as man's natural curiosity pushes him to cross formerly forbidden barriers, and unexplored terroritaries (Social Science, 2007). Recent PGD intervention, for example, has resulted in 'dual-purpose births'; children who are brought into this world, not only as another addition to the family, but also as the 'miracle cure' for an existing child. An embryo is screened to ensure that there is no presence of the inheritory, fatal disease, and an identical tissue match is made; resulting in the creation of a child that will serve two purposes. But does mankind have the right to use human life in this way (ScienCentralNews, 2004). Consider the massive impact that this treatment would have within the present and future lives of thousands of families, who have suffered generations of disease, suffering, and death. But there also needs to be the accepting of knowing where to draw the line; of recognising where man's ethical and social boundaries lay for the well-being of society in general, and an understanding of the present race's responsibility towards that of future generations (NewScientist.com, 2007). The starting point is that of the status given to those embryos that do not end up getting 'chosen', and end up wasted, and unused. Many professional's believe that an embryo is simply a group of cells which, although capable of progressing into a potential human being, is not yet human. Therefore, embryo wastage, although regrettably a loss, has become to be considered as a necessity that has no bearing on moral or ethical considerations (Social Science, 2007). Others believe that that human life is present from the moment that the male sperm enters the female egg, and therefore an embryo is far more than potenial human life - it is human. This raises fundamental questions concerning how morally correct it is to create embryos purely for research purposes (Caroline Mackie Ogilvie, 2007). And to what extent will research be allowed to go in determing how to possibly change the human race (AFA Issues: Pro-Life, 2007). Does mankind really want to take it on himself to be the one to decide to destroy embryos; not destroying them due to some terrible, incurable disease, but due to the fact that they weren't the correct gender Or, because they didn't have blue eyes, red hair, a high IQ, or above average height. Where will we stop Will will even be able to stop There is also the risk that personal preferences may become sought after by those wealthy enough to afford it, resulting in a different type of class separation that although separates economic status, also separates other human skills, such as intelligence, and musical ability (Cardiff University, 2005). Sporting skills and other physical abilities will become available through financial means, thus diminishing man's natural acheivements; cosmetic beauty will become an expensive, but desired commodity; intelligence, artistic gifting, and other preferable aspects easily bought. "What right," asks Donald Bruce, "has any human being to programme in genetic advantages for their children, just because they.... [are] be rich enough to afford it" (Donald Bruce, 2007). Conclusion The decisions that mankind is facing, concerning the ethical, moral, and social questions that surround science's quest to cure, or eliminate, disease, are multi-faceted and comprehensive. Dealing with the very essentialness of what it is to be human, various cultural, religious, political, social, and ethical issues need to be addressed, with firm positions being taken to ensure responsible and integral responses from the whole of mankind. (Words 2153) A survey conducted by the Daily Telegraph (UK Polling Report, Online Article, 2007). References AFA Issues: Pro-Life, Online Article, 2007 < http://www.afa.net/prolife/Default.aspy=2006&m=5&id=11> BBC News, Designing Babies: The future of genetics, Online Article, 2000. Page downloaded 03/15/2007. < http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/590919.stm> Bionet: Explore life science and debate the issues, Online Article, Design-a-Baby 2007. Page Downloaded 03/12/2007. Cardiff University, Online Article, 2005, Experts widen bebate on embryo screening risks. Caroline Mackie Ogilvie, ets al., Online Article, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis-An Overview, 2007. < www.jhc.org/cgi/content/full/53/3/255> Donald Bruce, Church of Scotland, Online Article, Society, Religion and Technology Project: Looking at the ethics of technology for a New Millennium. Page downloaded 03/11/2007. < http://www.srtp.org.uk/dsgnbab2.htm> Genetic Engineering, Joo Pedro de Magalhes, Online Article, Defining Our Children's Traits, 2007. GMO: Genetic Engineering, Online Article, Designer Baby Ethics, 2007 NewScientist.com, Online Article, Five "designer babies" created for stem cells, 2007 < www.newscientist.com/article.nsid=dn4965 - 35k> Sarah-Kate Templeton, TimesOnline, Online Article, Doctor's plan designer babies for four women with cancer gene. Febuary, 2007. ScienCentralNews, Online Article, Stem Cell Siblings, 2004 Social Science: Bioethics, Online Article, The ethics of genetics: How far should we let the scientists go 2007. Shannon Brownlee, Washington Post, Online Article, Designer Babies, 2002. Page downloaded 03/12/2007. < http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2001/0203.brownlee.html> UK Polling Report, Online Article, 2007. Information retrieved 10/04/2007. < http://www.ukpollingreport.co.uk/blog/archives/41> Read More