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3/19/2020 Resource: Designer Babies A designer baby is a baby whose genes have been changed by genetic engineering in order to choose specific traits. No designer babies exist–yet! But genetic technology is improving fast. It is possible that in the near future, we will have the tools to genetically engineer human children. Should doctors be allowed to use genetic editing to make designer babies? Arguments For Designer Babies Children are already “engineered” by their parents. Parents choose where their kids go to school, what they eat, and what family traditions they will have. Parents have always been “designing” their babies in this way. Genetic engineering is only a new tool to design babies. Genetic editing could be used to edit mutations associated with diseases. This could mean that a child with a genetic disease like cystic fibrosis could avoid a lifetime of suffering. https://www.summitlearning.org/docs/84008?fromType=ProjectAsset&fromId=23623135 1/2 3/19/2020 Genetic engineering could end some genetic diseases. By eliminating certain genes at the embryo stage, a person will never be able to pass on the disease. This could reduce human suffering caused caused by genetic diseases. Those who are against genome editing would not have to undergo the procedure for their own children. Other parents could have the freedom to use genetic editing if they want. Arguments Against Designer Babies Many genes have more than one effect. The traits we choose may be accompanied by unwanted changes. A study in mice discovered one genetic change that improved learning. However, the change also increased the mouse’s sensitivity to pain. Our genetic “improvements” might also have accidental bad effects. Genetic editing would occur on the embryo, before a child is able to agree to the change. It is unfair to the child to force this change on him or her. Genetic editing of babies would be unfair. Editing genomes would likely be very expensive. This means only rich families could afford genetic engineering for their children. This might mean that the children of rich families may live longer or have other advantages. If a parent chooses a child’s traits, that child may feel like they have less control over their life. If a parent pays for genetic engineering to have a child with an amazing voice, that child may feel forced into being a singer. This could unfairly increase pressure on the child to meet high expectations of their parents. Adapted from: ActionBioScience.org, Designer Babies: Ethical Considerations; NYU Bioethics Project https://www.summitlearning.org/docs/84008?fromType=ProjectAsset&fromId=23623135 2/2.

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