Great Britain can become the first country in the world to legalize genetically modified children. Specialists from the University of Bath have concluded that by changing the DNA molecule, genetically modified embryos can soon be created. The findings of scientists are based on the successful results of animal cloning.
Genetic experiments to create a healthy generation have long been developed by the British. Leading physicians of the country are trying to legalize the appropriate procedures, allowing to influence the genes of the future child. In particular, we are talking about conception with the participation of three parents - a technique that appeared and was successfully tested in the past year. The main goal of the technology is to protect the child from the possible development of hereditary diseases. This procedure is also recommended for couples in which the woman's age exceeds 40 years.
A pledge of beauty and health Skeptics suggested that manipulation with genes could soon go completely different: for example, rich parents would want to control the appearance of the child, up to the color of the hair and eyes. According to the director of the organization Center for Genetics and Society Marcy Darnowski, the goals of genetic experiments are very worthy, but methods are extremely problematic in terms of medical risks and consequences for society. The expert notes that the technology of genetic modification of people should serve exclusively medical purposes and not affect changes in the appearance of future children. "We can go too far in the matter of genetic engineering, we risk falling back to experiments on people and high-tech eugenics," says Darnowski.
A pledge of beauty and health This time, scientists promise not only genetically healthy, but also beautiful offspring. "The ability to design embryos is no longer fiction," says Anthony Perry, "because over the last few years, genetic experiments have become incredibly effective." It is assumed that scientists will use developed methods to adjust the genetic predispositions of future children, for example, to diseases or to select certain qualities.
Will the progress of morality win? At all times, morality and ethics are the main obstacles to scientific and technological progress. The development of mankind largely depends on the opinion of specialists who assess the ethical application of new technologies, including in the field of genetic engineering. But if there is an opportunity to save the child from a hereditary disease, choose the most healthy and "smart" embryo from several options, the gender and color of the baby's eyes, it is unlikely that in practice one of the parents will refuse from this, guided by ethical issues. By the way, in the UK, routine screening of embryos for Down's syndrome and various types of genes associated with oncology is already under way. And against such interference society does not protest.
My personal opinion is that this is a good development. After all, to torment your child because of genetic abnormalities, it is better to create a healthier child at the embryo stage. And I think that it is necessary to create healthy and intelligent children without any whims at the expense of: eye color, hair color or skin. After all, the main goal of this development is "Healthy, intelligent future generation"