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"I know the dangers. I have read Aldous Huxley’s fiction and it’s not pretty. But come on, if designer babies is the only argument against trying potentially li
by Powerofmene 9y ago
"I know the dangers. I have read Aldous Huxley’s fiction and it’s not pretty. But come on, if designer babies is the only argument against trying potentially life-saving treatments, what gives someone without an incurably debilitating disease the right to debate the future of our health? If we’re going to debate anything, let’s debate the science. Let’s debate the risks. Not could-bes or scaremongering predictions. And then we can get on with saving lives."
It isn't just about designer babies. It is about those who would use engineering for dangerous purposes not just to engineer out genetic errors or genetic time-bombs. How long would it be before it is used to engineer super soldiers? This could lead to domination by one country over all others. We have already seen gender selection change the balance of genders such as in China and this is a far greater threat than gender selection if used for such purposes.
Having a child w disabilities I find it difficult to argue against anything that could make a child's health or safety better but which future children benefit? Would it be those who have wealthy enough parents to afford to benefit while the remaining population remains afflicted with diseases, disabilities, or genetic time bombs. And how much would be spent on research to find cures for, or treatments for, conditions that only afflict the poor, or particular races, etc? How do we ever get to a world that is better to live in when we continue to go down a road that benefits some but not all or positions a few with ethical choices that could so negatively affect so many?
Taking the religious aspects completely out of the equation, just the few concerns noted above should give everyone pause to think this is not only a slippery slope but one that could slide into an ethical quagmire. Who decides who? Who decides which conditions? Who decides availability and cost? You get the picture.