Genetic modification within humans has been long debated over. People have raised ethical questions as well as highlighted the medical complications that can come with it. However, is it a progressive medical procedure that needs to used for the betterment of humankind? Gulf News readers debate.
Complications
It can be used for the right reasons
I think that there can be a couple of reasons that such methods can be used. If it is to minimise disabilities in babies, then it’s a great thing. And people should opt for it. But if people start using it to get a certain type of look for their children, then it’s going to have negative effects. It can also have many complications. Many ethical, religious and social issues can arise.
For example, the gap between people with what society considers as ‘good looks’ and unattractiveness will increase and it can result in more bullying. Insecurities and self-hate can increase too. Also, people will start looking the same and differences will no longer be appreciated.
I think people should accept their fate when it comes to having children because every child is unique for a reason. Someone who is considered ‘less attractive’ by society can have other qualities and parents need to let them live their lives as it is to help them discover them.
From Ms Rasha Tillo
Business and information technology student based in Dubai
Research needed
Medical science hasn’t advanced enough
This particular topic is highly debatable. It has its fair share of pros and cons. From one side it is a huge step forward for modern technology and medical science. Not only would this method help in rectifying a baby’s genetic disorder it could mean that the baby gets a new lease on life that is normal and healthy.
On the other hand this could lead to parents opting for specific ‘type’ of babies having certain genetically modified attributes. This could add to the already massive problem of discrimination. Another negative for this could mean that for people who opted for their babies to be genetically modified to prevent them from genetic disorders would make the other babies facing this problem, whose parents have not opted for this, a minority and possibly make them feel more alienated.
In simple terms proper rules and regulations have to be brought into place wherein genetic modification of babies should be only allowed if the baby is in danger of having a disorder of some kind which can be cured with this process.
Having said the above we lack the proper knowledge on this topic as it is very new, people need to be more educated about this to be able to reach to a conclusion about the same. If an advancement in medical science can save a life without it disturbing the law of nature then it needs to be considered as a boon and vice versa.
From Mr Shahnaz Patel
Associate-Regional Management based in Dubai
Designer baby
People like changing things to their likings
The concept of a genetically modified baby has baffled me from when I first heard of it. “A designer baby? Really? What in the world is this?!” I said to myself, “everything has become so artificial!” This immediately reminded me of the Build A Bear store where a customer can walk in and create their own teddy bear. Or a toy store where a child can go and pick their own doll according to skin, eye, and hair colour. Except, this is not as simple as altering an object or a toy anymore, this is a modification of an actual human being.
Yes, research shows that gene modification is not just for physical purposes but can also eliminate human diseases; however, genetic engineering has not advanced enough to guarantee that a modified baby will not have future complications. Furthermore, there are dangers to this procedure that supporters of this development fail to put to attention.
Speaking of using the procedure to change a baby’s physical traits, it has many issues. Imperfections are not encouraged anymore; therefore, people want to change and modify everything to their liking, as if the plastic surgeries, hair extensions and contact lenses were not enough. Is it moral for us to change the course of nature? I believe that it is not. A baby should be born naturally through a combination of both the parents’ genetics; and when they become an adult then, and only then, can they change their appearance to however they prefer since they would then be responsible and held accountable for their actions.
From Ms Farah Abdou
Advertising student based in Dubai
Balance
Society needs all kinds of people to maintain balance
I accept the concept of designer babies as long as it is designed to produce healthy, disease-free babies. But beyond that, if we are only going to have such babies for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons this is something that is completely unacceptable. I don’t think any woman should unnecessarily go through IVF treatments.
All medical procedures have their own risks, even if they are small the risks are there. So if she does not require it, why would she go through it just to have a baby with red hair, blue eyes or green eyes? So to my mind, this is an extremely frivolous process that needs caution. Fortunately most people in the medical profession will agree with my sentiments, and I don’t see that in the near future or ever that such a concept is going to catch on.
Every father and mother have their own unique characteristics that are passed to their children, whether they are conceived naturally or through IVF, at least they are able to transmit their looks and manners. Even small characteristics such as, likes and dislikes, musical abilities, intelligence are genetically transmitted. It is important that these re passed further down to the generations.
Also, I don’t think it is right to make genetic modifications to the intelligence of a person, because society needs all sorts of people. We shouldn’t be aiming to have one sort of super intelligent people because of the imbalance, society will collapse.
From Dr Pankaj Srivastava
Consultant gynaecologist and infertility specialist based in Dubai
Poll results
Gulf News asked: Is genetically modifying babies ethically acceptable?
Yes: 21%
No: 79%
Have your say
Is it ethically and morally acceptable to have a genetically altered child?
Is medical science advanced enough?
Should people be more accepting of their fate and accept the offspring they natural would have?
