Designer baby

A designer baby is an embryo or fetus whose genetic makeup has been intentionally selected or altered, often to exclude a particular gene or to remove genes associated with disease, to achieve desired traits.^[1]^[2] This process usually involves preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which analyzes multiple human embryos to identify genes associated with specific diseases and characteristics, then selecting embryos that have the desired genetic makeup.^[3] While screening for single genes is commonly practiced, advancements in polygenic screening are becoming more prominent, though only a few companies currently offer it. This technique uses an algorithm to aggregate the estimated effects of numerous genetic variants tied to an individual's risk for a particular condition or trait.^[4] Other methods of altering a baby's genetic information involve directly editing the genome before birth, using technologies such as CRISPR. A controversial example of this can be seen in the 2018 case involving Chinese twins Lulu and Nana, which had their genomes edited to resist HIV infection, sparking widespread criticism and legal debates.^[5]

This highlights the implications of germline engineering, which involves introducing the desired genetic material into the embryo or parental germ cells. This process is typically prohibited by law, however, regulations vary globally.^[6] Editing embryos in this manner can result in genetic changes that are passed down to future generations, raising significant controversy and ethical concerns.^[7] While some scientists advocate for its use in treating genetic diseases, others warn that it could lead to misuse for non-medical purposes, such as cosmetic enhancements and modification of human traits.^[8]

^ Veit, W. (2018). Procreative Beneficence and Genetic Enhancement – KRITERION – Journal of Philosophy 32(1):75-92. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.11026.89289
^ Pang, Ronald T.K.; Ho, P.C. (2016). "Designer babies". Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine. 26 (2): 59–60. doi:10.1016/j.ogrm.2015.11.011.
^ Verlinsky, Yury (2005). "Designing babies: what the future holds". Reproductive BioMedicine Online. 10: 24–26. doi:10.1016/S1472-6483(10)62200-6. PMID 15820003.
^ Gilbert, Susan (2021-10-20). "Polygenic Embryo Screening: Ethical and Legal Considerations". The Hastings Center. Retrieved 2022-07-31.
^ Dyer O (30 November 2018). "Researcher who edited babies' genome retreats from view as criticism mounts". BMJ. pp. k5113. doi:10.1136/bmj.k5113.
^ Kannan K (2014). Medicine and the law. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198082880.001.0001. ISBN 9780198082880.
^ From IVF to immortality : controversy in the era of reproductive technology. Oxford University Press. 2008-02-03. ISBN 9780199219780.
^ Cite error: The named reference Guardianethics1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

[1] Veit, W. (2018). Procreative Beneficence and Genetic Enhancement – KRITERION – Journal of Philosophy 32(1):75-92. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.11026.89289

[2] Pang, Ronald T.K.; Ho, P.C. (2016). "Designer babies". Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine. 26 (2): 59–60. doi:10.1016/j.ogrm.2015.11.011.

[3] Verlinsky, Yury (2005). "Designing babies: what the future holds". Reproductive BioMedicine Online. 10: 24–26. doi:10.1016/S1472-6483(10)62200-6. PMID 15820003.

[4] Gilbert, Susan (2021-10-20). "Polygenic Embryo Screening: Ethical and Legal Considerations". The Hastings Center. Retrieved 2022-07-31.

[BMJLuluNanaCriticism-5] Dyer O (30 November 2018). "Researcher who edited babies' genome retreats from view as criticism mounts". BMJ. pp. k5113. doi:10.1136/bmj.k5113.

[Med&Law-6] Kannan K (2014). Medicine and the law. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198082880.001.0001. ISBN 9780198082880.

[IVF_to_immortality-7] From IVF to immortality : controversy in the era of reproductive technology. Oxford University Press. 2008-02-03. ISBN 9780199219780.

[Guardianethics1-8] Cite error: The named reference Guardianethics1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

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