Designer baby
Designer baby
A Designer baby (/dɪˈzaɪnər beɪbi/) is a term used to describe a baby whose genetic makeup has been artificially selected or modified, often to ensure the presence or absence of particular genes or characteristics.
Etymology
The term "designer baby" was taken from "designer clothing" which describes the process of tailoring a baby's genetic structure to achieve the desired traits. The term was coined by journalists and not by scientists.
Related Terms
- Genetic engineering: The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD): A procedure used prior to implantation to help identify genetic defects within embryos.
- Gene therapy: An experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent disease.
- Genome sequencing: A process that determines the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome at a single time.
- Bioethics: The study of the ethical issues emerging from advances in biology and medicine.
History
The concept of designer babies might seem like a recent development, but it has been a topic of discussion since the advent of genetic engineering technology. The first instances of what could be called designer babies occurred in the late 20th century through a process called preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). This process allows for the detection of genetic diseases in an embryo before it is implanted into the mother.
Ethical Considerations
The idea of designer babies raises numerous ethical questions and is a topic of deep bioethical debate. Many fear that it could lead to a slippery slope, with the rich being able to afford designer babies, while those who are less well-off are unable to access the same opportunities. This could potentially lead to genetic inequality.
Legal Status
The legal status of designer babies varies from country to country. In many places, such as the United States, it is not explicitly illegal, but it is also not widely practiced due to ethical concerns and potential health risks. In other countries, like Canada and the United Kingdom, laws have been passed to regulate the use of genetic engineering in human reproduction.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Designer baby
- Wikipedia's article - Designer baby
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