Designer Baby is the term used to describe the modification of embryos for genetic disorders and replacing them with healthy embryos so that the child can be born the way it was desired to be. This will reduce the chance of the baby being born with a genetic disorder or any genetic diseases. They can possibly be used for enhancing certain characteristics of a child. They have done this for animals for tests but is currently illegal for humans. In the process, scientists would use techniques that involves using InVitro Fertilization to fertilize an embryo containing a sperm and have genetic engineers to modify the embryo's DNA, the embryo is then introduced to the mother's womb.
Though this seems promising, we still don't know if this is safe for humans to take. Even if it is safe, this discovery could be abused by humans in the near future. If this comes to being legal in the near future, a lot of people would probably would like their children to have certain traits and characteristics. Competitions won't really matter due to people with special enhancements on certain sports or games since they won't really need practice because they are made to do have these characteristics.
In the video game "Metal Gear Solid 4", the player takes the role of a war veteran codenamed: Snake. In the game, Snake has certain enhanced feats that other soldiers don't have. He soon realizes that he was a designed baby meaning he was man-made. This gives us the idea that we could use this for military purposes to protect us from terrorism or any other threats. But then again, when he realizes this, he breaks down almost leading himself to suicide, referring to himself as a "machine" since he was man-made. This gives us the idea that humans will always have the human nature to feel emotions and shouldn't be played with.
This topic about designing babies has been argued and debated with on the Internet and even scientists themselves. Some disagrees of legalizing this mostly because of religious reasons. They consider the process as "playing the role of God". The scientists pretty much "create" and "design" these babies. If we were to look at this at a Catholic perspective this would be considered "bad" since we're not to interfere with God's "plans". But then again, this may be a plan that he gave for us but I personally disagree at the fact that its God's plan to have us design our own children.
This topic about designing babies has been argued and debated with on the Internet and even scientists themselves. Some disagrees of legalizing this mostly because of religious reasons. They consider the process as "playing the role of God". The scientists pretty much "create" and "design" these babies. If we were to look at this at a Catholic perspective this would be considered "bad" since we're not to interfere with God's "plans". But then again, this may be a plan that he gave for us but I personally disagree at the fact that its God's plan to have us design our own children.
Designing babies can be a good thing if it is put to good use, but should never be abused. A wise man once said that with great power, comes great responsibility, so we could choose to use this power for the good of mankind or just to add it to the problems that we already have. This choice lies in the hands of the scientists that are working on Designer Babies
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ReplyDeleteI think that the story from metal gear solid is very interesting and it provides an insight of what could happen to people who were genetically enhanhanced. They realise that their entire human existance was fabricated beforehand. And because of this, they would feel not human.
ReplyDeleteId like to comment on what you said about us desiging our children... how so? we dont determine the sex of the offspring by the way we reproduce. although that would be interesting, imagine doing the act of conception in a way that help produce a girl because of the way the sperm is introduced. But it can't happen that way......yet.
Hi Leandro, I like your reference with Metal Gear Solid. I agree that certain levels of using this technology is acceptable. I would probably say that it should only be used if death would be involved. We also do not know of the long-term side effects of this, since this technology is still new. Desginer babies are kind of like robots being repaired and adding new functions to it. I hope the scientists will make a good and acceptable descision.
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