Author welcomes genomic improvements to humans
April 13th, 2008Ronald M. Green, writing in the Washington Post, foresees a future in which assisted reproductive technology routinely allows people to prevent the occurrence of genetic disease and disability in their children. He predicts that people will be able to use genetic technologies to avoid having children who might have cancer, obesity or dyslexia, among other things, and rejects criticism that these developments could lead to a society in which eugenics replaces human love and compassion.
Genomic science is racing toward a future in which foreseeable improvements include reduced susceptibility to a host of diseases, increased life span, better cognitive functioning and maybe even cosmetic enhancements such as whiter, straighter teeth. Yes, genetic orthodontics may be in our future. The challenge is to see that we don’t also unleash the demons of discrimination and oppression. Although I acknowledge the risks, I believe that we can and will incorporate gene technology into the ongoing human adventure.
Ronald M. Green is a professor of ethics at Dartmouth College. His most recent book is “Babies by Design: The Ethics of Genetic Choice.”
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April 17th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
So you engineer a genetically perfect baby . . . then what? Will the parents be such beacons of flawless child-rearing that they can guarantee their “genomically improved” offspring will have character worthy of its genomic pedigree?
And where, oh where, is the George Orwell of our generation?
The complete lack of self-awareness of his or her own arrogance that a potential parent must have to buy into this dung would be laughable were it not so tragically commonplace. We believe we are “compassionate” and “tolerant” as we compare ourselves favorably to societies and regimes that sought and continue to seek the annihilation of entire ethnicities, but we would gladly eradicate anyone whose genetics do not bring them in line with the current prototype.
Editor’s note: Green’s article brought a host of comments to the Washington Post site. See them at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/11/AR2008041103330_Comments.html#