Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence in an Urban Context

             The advancement of technology has allowed scientists to explore most of the human genome. Knowing exactly the attributions of genes and their purpose, modification of those genes can potentially provide limitless possibilities. During the process of meiosis, the germ cell reproduction creates a system that replicated permanently through one’s life. Altering the procedure can make it possible for chances in specific gene that associate with a specific trait. The violation of free will for the child and the inevitable threat to humanity makes this procedure wrong and should be prohibited from implementation in the future.  

             Choosing the traits of a child simple goes beyond the border, as a violation of free will, then abortion does. The practices of inheritable genetic modification involves “modif[ying] genes in eggs, sperm or early embryos and results in the altered genes being passed on to future generations.” Permanent and irreversible changes are made to humans without their consent. Unlike abortion, the fetus will ultimately be born and therefor the issue of ethical rights for the baby does apply. Not only is it unethical to practice the extent of creating a ‘designer’ baby, but there are potential risk factors that can endanger both the unborn fetus and the mother. In a world where health care is scarce, it seems irrational to dwell in futuristic aspirations of perfection. The population of the world is already overwhelming, depleting vast amounts of natural resources. Rather than increase the lives and health of some individuals, technology should be used to aid the problems, of the majority, already in existence, not start new ones.

              The inevitability of race division in the future will only increase if modification of in vitro embryos continues. Racism is a product of physical differentiation and represents no actual separation of the human race. History presents several examples to demonstrate the extent to which people will succumb to in order to establish a hierarchy of race. Although the Nazism concept of the Aryan race, and the Tutsi of Rwanda showed not actual division of race, designer babies potentially could create such a division. Should genetic modification proceed in the future to advance in making a superior human, it will create an adamant segregation of the human race between those who were enhanced and those who were not. “A new world of inequality and discrimination” will be born, changing the whole perspective of life itself. An elite class could potentially rise up and rule above an inferior race. Wealthy individuals will probably be the only ones who have access to such technology only furthering the gap. Changing a characteristic of a baby, such as their gender or a hair color, may not seem threatening now; however it will lead to a dangerous future as technology increases if sanctions are not made to inhibit such practices.

               Although genetic modification is unethical and potential harmful to the future, there may be a selfish bias in play that can be argued. Is it unethical to deny the next generation longevity, idealistic traits, overall a happy life? Perhaps because we are naturally part of the inferior race that we sanction the progression of making a superior one with traits we idealize and can never achieve. The future of genetic modification can substantially lead to incomprehensive problems, however there is still a chance that perhaps a perfect world can exist that eliminates discrimination.