this term entered the Oxford Dictionary in
2004 means a baby whose genetic
makeup has been artificially selected by
genetic engineering combined with In-
Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to ensure the
presence or absence of particular genes
and characteristics.
a technique that involves the fertilization
of the egg by sperm in test tubes outside
of the mother’s body.
Question about IFV
First used on plants and livestock
Then embryos for gender specifics
Now for embryos with diseases
Adam Nash was born in 2000 in order to
save his sister Molly Nash
Charlie Whitaker was saved by his
brother, James Whitaker, who was born
in 2003
a baby rhesus monkey, Andi, was born
with a jelly fish gene
scientists were able to map 97% of
human genome
Many illnesses prevent muscle
movement or daily activities
Idea of Gene Therapy
Human Safety Risks
Athletes became eager with the idea
In 2004
Gene Therapy on Mice
Became a new breed
After being able to discard diseased or
cancerous embryos, idea of being able
to discard other problems
GATTACA
Eye Color
Hair Color
Height/Weight
Skin Tone
Personality
Should disabled be eliminated from
society?
Should parents be aloud to decide the
lives of their children?
Uniqueness of children would disappear.
Children would become goods and
property.
differences between those who can or
cannot afford “designer babies”
Pros- reduce chances of diseases or
cancers
-avoid hardships and burdens
-living without worries
Cons- effects expected to follow
-approximate cost $18,000
-fear and hatred
"Genetic Engineering." 2010. Future Human Evoloution. 9 May 2011 <http://www.humansfuture.org/genetic_engineering_designer_babies.php.htm>.
"Genetically Engineering a 'Perfect' Baby." 15 April 2008. NPR. 9 May 2011 <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89655637>.
Green, Ronald M. "Building Baby From the Genes Up." Washington Post13 April 2008: 1.
Johnson, Priya. "Pros and Cons of Designer Babies." Buzzle. 9 May 2011 <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-designer-babies.html>.
Lemonick, Michael D. "Designer Babies." TIME 11 January 1999: 3. Ren, Yin. "Designer Babies: The Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering."
2005. web.mit.edu. 9 May 2011 <http://web.mit.edu/murj/www/v12/v12-Features/v12-f4.pdf>.
Steere, Mike. "Designer babies: Creating the perfect child." 30 October 2008. CNN. 9 May 2011 <http://articles.cnn.com/2008-10-30/tech/designer.babies_1_designer-babies-perfect-child-genetic-screening?_s=PM:TECH>.