In the future if science makes it possible, would you want to have a baby with perfect genes?

Question

This phenomenon is called "baby-shopping" and i read somewhere, that after unravelling the human genome sequence, this might happen in the future. But the thing is, everyone would want to have perfect babies! So we all our progeny be gorgeous looking and in perfect health?

Answer 1

I'd make my kid able to fly and shoot lasers out his eyes so he could protect me and help me rob banks and stuff.

Answer 2

Define perfect-
My answer is NO

Even though we have the human genome project and have mapped the Human genome, we still do not know the cause of all disease genetic or otherwise. Many diseases are categorized Polygenic, meaning more than 1 allele or foci on the chromosomes affect the disease or Multi-factorial such as Cancer, Heart Disease, High blood pressure and can be caused by genetics and influenced by environmetal causes such as Smoking, Unhealthy diet, Drinking.

So if Bioengineers were able to change the genetic makeup of your child they may not at this stage know what to change and If they change one thing to fix and issue then it may cause another issue.

For example, a mutation in genes causes Sickle cell Anemia, the reason Sickle Cell is so prevalent in Sub Saharan Africa is because carriers of the disease are not affected by malaria which kills many people in Africa.

So, if your child showed mild signs of Sickle Cell as many carriers do would you change that and give your child a risk of getting malaria.

Evolution has made man adapt and modifying the genetics without cause could lead to further problems

Answer 3

I answered a similar question earlier

what you are in fact referring to is the "designer baby debate"

the answer is, who wouldnt want a baby with perfectly healthy genes? However, the argument that arises from this highly controversial issue is how far will people go? Asides from the obvious current risks associated with germline therapy, who would benefit from such procedures...the rich? What about the poorer populations....the rich would have an unfair advantage don't you think?

what about choosing the sex of your baby? Again, another controversial subject considering that embryo's are destroyed in the process of "acquiring" the "right" gender.

There are far too many ethical questions, I'm all for germline therapy but only in matters of health.

Answer 4

what is perfect? the use of genetic egineering to give characteristics would greatly decrease the diversity of the human race, also we do not understand the consequences of genetic tampering and the effect that this could have in later generations. I am a scientist and i do agree with research into serious genetic disorders however i am totally opposed to the manufacturing of a perfect baby

Answer 5

Beautiful and healthy isn't enough. I'd want my baby to have a superior immune system, inherent and perfect fitness and an IQ that is off the charts.

Answer 6

Not on your life....I think sometimes scientists are playing with god...I believe in health technology and all but perfecting genes is scary to me

Answer 7

I would only do it to get rid of any diseases, which my child could have. I would never, though, change my childs eye color, or hair color...etc... It sickens me, that people would have the desire to change what their child would look like. If you watch the movie GATTACA, you'll see this is involved.

Answer 8

of course... if u ensure that the baby will be born healthy even that child will enjoy life as a healthy human being...

Answer 9

well...yes i want to have a baby that is perfectly healthy...every parents want that...but in beauty...i'd prefer if there's one part that is flaw.....perfection isn't always good you know