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JoLee Galetka

Professor Moore

English 1302

20 March 2017

Build-A-Baby

In 1932, Aldous Huxleys science fiction novel, Brave New World, was published. The

writing depicted a society that encouraged the excessive use of technology to create the ideal

individual by means of genetic engineering and modification. At the time of the novels release,

this concept of a technologically centered society was unfathomable, and rightfully labeled under

fiction. However less than a century later, modern advances have left society on the brink of

turning this fiction into a reality. Recent developments, such as CRISPR-Cas 9, have allowed

scientists to systematically replace isolated sections of an embryos DNA, thereby altering the

genetic composition. These advances have also led to a method of DNA replacement that allows

for a child to be born with genetic material from three separate individuals. This method consists

of replacing an embryos mitochondrial DNA, originally inherited from the mother, with that of

woman who has a preferred DNA sequence. Techniques such as these are laying the foundation

for a future of designer babies, where expecting parents will be assured that their children are

constructed with their desired genetic and physical traits. Despite this evolutionary feet in genetic

engineering, this possible future could lead to major complications. The excessive use of

technology to genetically alter human embryos not only breaches scientific and ethical

boundaries, but also impacts society on governmental and psychological levels.

The widespread concern with genetic engineering is the unknown side effects it could

have on the potential child. Despite the new advances in modern relatively eugenics, none of
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these methods have been tested for long term affects. And while an embryo with DNA alterations

may be born completely healthy, evolutionary biologist Klaus Reinhardt warns that these

alterations could adversely cause language gaps within that individuals genetic makeup

("Three-Parent Babies: A Debate of Eugenics.") These gaps could cause unforeseen difficulties

for the individual. Instead of solving or preventing health problems, the alterations would instead

cause greater issues for that individual and their future children. There is no certainty that the

alignment of the altered genome in the original person would successfully transfer to that of their

offspring. This in turn prevents the said individual from conceiving or birthing healthy children

of their own. In response, some scientists argue for clinical trials, using genetic modification.

They claim that these trials would be used to determine and test the side effects of genetic

engineering. However, these trials have yet to be conducted on grounds of unethical behavior.

Due to the nature of the experiment, the altered individual would need to be observed from birth

to death. It is important to note that this would be the life of a human being, and yet they would

be treated as a simple experiment, thereby lowering their standard of life. For these reasons,

many argue that this fate would be worse than allowing the individual to be born with the

original genetic defect that warranted modification. By implementing such experiments, it

encourages the mentality that the social benefit and scientific research from the trial, is greater

than the well-being of the individual. This mindset opens the door to Huxleys predicted future

and turns genetic engineering into a dangerous game, instead of helpful technology.

Additionally, using genetic engineering to construct ideal embryos would demand change

and regulation from the government on all levels. In fact, discussions of the topic have already

been conversed on Capitol Hill. The Appropriations Committee that funds the US Food and Drug

Administration (FDA) released a bill on June 17, 2015 that restricts the agency from using
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public funds to evaluate applications for clinical trials involving genetically modified

individuals (Gene Politics). However, despite the lack of governmental support and funding,

this technology still has the potential of growing into one of the largest consumer driven

industries. If the technology continues to advance at its current rate, soon parents will be able to

demand traits that enhance their childs physical attributes. Which leads to the discussion on if

and how such gene alterations will be monitored or sanctioned. In 2002, an experiment was

conducted where researchers inserted a growth factor into the muscle cells of mice (Hex). As a

result, the mice had enlarged muscles and were dubbed Schwarzeneggr Mice (Hex). Trials like

these have given fuel to speculations that genetically perfect athletes could be made through the

process of gene modification. If this is true, the question of how to handle these individuals

remains. Because as these children grown, more than likely they will participate in athletic

activities. If so, they would have a greater skill level than those who were not modified through

artificial means. Which brings forth the question of how do local and national level organizations

react to these individuals. Theoretically, they could be treated as those who use steroids to obtain

a greater performance. However, unlike those individuals, genetically modified individuals

would not have willingly undergone modification, rather, it was the idea of the parent. The

prospect of this genetic engineering would not only require convincing from the government but

also demand a complete renovation of how it can be regulated on all levels.

Correspondingly, genetic engineering would alter the structure of society on a

psychological level. It begins with the concept of eliminating undesirable traits to make a better

person. Initially, these intentions were used to eradicate specific strains of the DNA that caused

health complications. However, it is human instinct to want for more. And it is this want that

has the potential to start a deadly cycle of moral decay within the realms of society. Once
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specific traits, genetic and physical, are deemed admirable, society will have a frenzy of

expecting couples opting for that seasons genetic fashions. In turn, society will have created a

caste system based on inconsistent human opinions, that are so easily gone with the wind. This

herd mentality can be seen in Nazi Germany. Based on what high society deemed the ultimate

undesirable, over six million people were forced into the death camps (Daniel). And less than a

century later, scientists are pushing for genetic engineering that would ultimately cycle to a DNA

genocide. After all, once specific traits are taken out, they cannot simply be brought back like

last seasons fashion. Also, the price for such modification would be one that only the elite could

pay. The elite would be the constructors of the future. They would be able to ensure that their

offspring would be designed with all the prime upgrades and features. Consequently, those who

cannot afford such, will have their children subject to the discrimination of society. This pattern

would cycle continuously to keep with the trend of perfection. There would be no stopping it.

Perfection is unobtainable, yet human nature would refuse to accept anything less. And in the

attempt, society would lose its humanity. Differences mark everyone as unique and special. The

beauty of society is found when people join together despite their differences, not when they

divide.

In an era of everchanging technology, it is often debated when designer babies will

become a reality, as opposed to if they ever should. This mentality complied with the want for

the latest and greatest, has the potential to allow man to decide his own evolution. One that is

filed with more dangers than benefits. An evolution that would only lead mankind to a brave, yet

foolish, new world.

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Works Cited

"Gene Politics." Nature, vol. 523, no. 7558, 02 July 2015, pp. 5-6. EBSCOhost,

doi:10.1038/523005b. Accessed 28 Feb. 2017.

Hix, Laura. Helix Magazine. Modern Eugenics: Building a Better Person? | Helix Magazine,

helix.northwestern.edu/article/modern-eugenics-building-better-person. Accessed 3 Mar.

2017.

Kevels, Daniel J. "The History of Eugenics." Issues in Science & Technology, vol. 32, no. 3,

Spring2016, p. 45. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=f5h&AN=114485188&site=ehost-live. Accessed 28 Feb. 2017.

"Three-Parent Babies: A Debate of Eugenics." Penn Bioethics Journal, vol. 10, no. 2, July 2014,

p. 9. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?

direct=true&db=a9h&AN=117705157&site=ehost-live. Accessed 28 Feb. 2017.