Technological Advancements and the Invention of Designer Babies
There have been technological advancements in the recent years, and the majority of countries in the world has witnessed this. One of the most interesting advancements in the biomedical sector has been the invention of designer babies. Designer babies refer to a wide range of reproductive techniques such as replacing versions of genes linked to certain diseases and enhancing certain attributes in a baby. These adjustments, however, are not ethically right since God's work is termed to be perfect.
The Exploitation of the Human Individual
The production of a designer baby is, in my opinion, exploitation of the existence of the human individual. A designer baby is treated as an object and not a natural individual. This is not compatible with the human dignity that every individual is entitled to. The designer baby will not be accorded dignity since it will not be thinking for his good but to achieve a different goal. The designer baby is treated as a means only and not as an end. This is an abuse of the human dignity.
Social Differences and the Gap Between the Rich and the Poor
Designer babies bring about social differences and the gap between the rich and the poor. The rich have the financial capability to access designer babies' services. They can choose the traits that they want the child to have. This also demonstrates the desire for perfectionism, and this is not compatible with being a good parent. An insistence of a parent to have a child of a certain sort be it an athlete, musician or politician amount to parental tyranny. These attempts can constraint the prospects of a child to flourish as the parents try to preferences and expectations on a child. Providing the child with the genes to be an athlete does not mean that the child will enjoy sports. The child may be having a talent that will make him useful to the entire globe, and this should be nurtured. Children should be appreciated as gifts and be accepted as they come.
Sex Discrimination and Imbalance
Designer babies have brought about sex discrimination. The parents can choose their preferred sex of the child especially when they are seeking to have a gender balance among their children. It is, however, wrong to reject a boy or a girl when there is no medical need, and it is morally irresponsible. It is not acceptable morally to discard an embryo simply based on sex. Arguing by gender balance is weak since there is no balancing at all but rather sexual discrimination against one gender and discarding an otherwise healthy embryo. Most African countries view female sex as undesirable. Designer babies would cause the number of females to decrease in such countries. There has to be a balance between the number of males and females since the two genders are interdependent.
Advantages of Genetic Babies in Treating Life-Threatening Conditions
The production of genetic babies can, however, be advantageous especially when there is a need to treat certain kinds of life-threatening conditions. The mechanism can save lives however it should be used in moderation and only in case of saving life and not in cases such as sex selection which is not crucial to the child.
The Ethical Concerns of Designer Babies
The production of designer babies is not ethically right. A child has to be left to grow naturally without forcing him to have certain skills and traits. Every child is special, and God made him for a reason. Modifying the child only serves to correct God's work, and this is punishable by death.
