The Debate Continues: Prohibit Genetically Engineered Babies?

By: Robert Rosenkranz

Overview As genetics research continues to reach new

heights, mankind has gained a firmer grasp on the specifications of human life.

However, to what extent should we leverage this knowledge to our advantage?

Intelligence Squared U.S. explored this question on February 13, 2013, when panelists Sheldon Krimsky, Lord Robert Winston, Nita Farahany, and Lee Silver debated the motion “Prohibit genetically engineered babies.”

The Debate Recent achievements in cloning include Dr. Tony Perry’s success in

precisely editing mouse DNA at the moment of conception.

This development and others have led scientists and bioethicists to call for serious public debate on the issue of genetically modified “designer babies.”

Introducing the topic, IQ2US moderator John Donvan noted that:

“[…] this is one debate where the richness of the debate actually comes from the fact that there are an awful lot of shades of gray and shades of meaning in the issue, that black and white and yes or no, even though we're asking you to vote at that level, it’s very complicated.”

He continued, “So most of us would do almost anything for our kids to help them be their best, to help them get ahead. But what if even before they were born we could go in and alter their genes in such a way to give them an even greater advantage, to give them strength against illness and disease, to make them smarter or taller or prettier even if their parents themselves never had any of those traits. Well, that world is coming. Who's tempted? And who is horrified? Let's find out.”

In Closing According to Dr. Perry, the prospect of

genetically modifying babies for improved health, intelligence, or beauty is not yet a reality, but rapid scientific advances may soon make it possible.

Should we fear or celebrate this impending technology? The public continues to weigh on this issue in the IQ2US online poll. Cast your vote here: http://intelligencesquaredus.org/debates/past-debates/item/798-prohibit-genetically-engineered-babies&tab=2