If there is such a thing as a 'gay gene' and science figures out a way to turn it off or eliminate it in an

Question

embryo, would you consider having the "treatment" if you were trying to conceive a child? Just wondering what people's attitudes are about such an ethical problem.

Answer 1

There are undoubtedly some genetic factors in predisposing people to homosexuality. It is unlikely that it is as simple as a single gene you could test for. A far more likely scenario for treatment is that science learns more about fetal and maternal endocrinology (hormones) and figures out a "treatment" based on directly correcting that (or various other environmental factors growing up that might contribute) So supposing the premise of the question is true....

And if it were completely safe...

I would consider it. I'm as open-minded as the next guy I guess and I don't shun gay folks. If my 2-year old son grows up to be gay I'll still love him. But all things considered, I'd rather he weren't. So I'd consider it. It's a huge hypothetical though with lots of ifs.

Answer 2

No, there is no such gene. Otherwise, the children of gay people would have a higher probability of being gay, and there is no such trend.
Right now, the best explanation is probably a matter of development of the embryo, with hormonal variation and reaction.
Without DNA markers that would indicate if a child would turn to be gay or not, the ethical dilemma of an abortion becomes moot.

Answer 3

I really hope there is no such a gene because then, some people would want to eliminate the gene. It would give force to theories that say that gay people are different. I don't agree with those theories. To answer your question, if there happen to be a "gay gene" (which is very unlikely in my opinion), I would absolutely not care if my child have it.
(Sorry if I made English errors, it is not my maternal language ;-)

Answer 4

IF that was the case and there was such a gene, Theoretically, YES I would consider it only if I was sure there was absolutely no chance of any harm and any other side effects to the child.
However, I do not believe there is such a gene,
and my cofidence in the medical community's ability to perform such a treatment without causing any side effects is very low. Heck, "the omniscient" scientists that believe they can tell what happened billions of years ago can't even figure out the cause and cure of my disease (Meniere's) and they expect me to trust my kid's genetics into their hands? not gonna happen anytime soon.

Answer 5

If it will be became off, i might want to request that or not that's became off. i'm no longer a huge fan of messing with our genes, yet i really trust that being gay is very puzzling. notwithstanding, because the be sure, it would want to be my decision and that i does no longer care a lot if it indignant others. that is my decision to make. Aborting a fetus because it has the gay gene is a hideous concept.

Answer 6

There is evidence that male homosexuality is largely genetic (although there is an in utero influence also) but we don't know anything about which gene or genes are involved. Most scientists do not view homosexuality as a "sickness" so I don't think that there is any interest in switching these hypothetical genes on or off. Parents, however, may feel differently.

Answer 7

I don't think there is such a thing, and I'm not for cosmetic prebirth genetical manipulation.

Answer 8

There is no such found gene.

Answer 9

there is no evidence that this is genetic, much more likely that it is environmental and personal preference. Ethically it is very unsound to consider genetic manipulation in any sense

Answer 10

I believe that gay people are confused about past lives or have a genetic "goof."