Designer Babies - Genomic modification.

We often say “I wish I was taller”, “I wish I was lighter skinned”, “I wish I didn’t have this ailment” or “I wish I was entirely new”.

Do you know those wishes have a way of coming true?

In 2018, the first known attempt of modification of human genes was brought to light by a controversial experiment carried out by Chinese scientist He Jiankui. Lulu and Nana (twins) are humans who have genetically been made resistant to HIV by this experiment.

The experiment faced a lot of back-lash as it was raised that he didn’t follow ethical procedure as well as other constraints.

Now what exactly is gene modification in humans, particularly infants?

ENGINEERING BABIES

The process of engineering babies involves genetic manipulation or modification of a developing fetus. Purposes for doing this include; increasing resistance to disease, treating diseases, generating enhanced traits or selecting specific desired characteristics.

It has created the option to choose height, intelligence, complexion, eye color, facial attributes, genetic makeup as well as gender in babies just like in choosing ingredients for your favorite recipe.

The use of this medical technology to design “better babies” garners much ethical, societal and legal debate in many countries worldwide.

PROCESS OF ENGINEERING BABIES

The exact process may depend on the exact modification that the scientist wants to perform but here is a general overview of some of the key techniques in engineering babies.

1. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): The process often begins with IVF, where eggs are harvested from the mother's ovaries and sperm is collected from the father (or a donor). The eggs and sperm are then combined in a laboratory dish to create embryos.

2. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD): PGD is a technique used to screen the embryos for genetic abnormalities or specific traits before they are implanted into the mother's uterus. This is done by removing one or more cells from each embryo and analyzing their genetic makeup.

3. Genetic Modification: If the goal is to genetically engineer the baby, techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 may be used at this stage to modify the DNA of the embryo. CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing tool that allows scientists to add, delete, or modify specific genes within the embryo's DNA.

4. Embryo Selection: After genetic modification (if performed), embryos are screened for the desired genetic traits or to ensure that any genetic diseases or conditions have been corrected. Only embryos meeting the desired criteria are selected for implantation.

5. Embryo Implantation: Selected embryos are then implanted into the mother's uterus through a process similar to standard IVF. Multiple embryos may be implanted to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

6. Pregnancy and Monitoring: The pregnancy is monitored closely to ensure its progress and to address any potential complications.

PROS OF MAKING “DESIGNER BABIES”

Prevention or treatment of genetic diseases that could likely be inherited from parents.

Avoiding negative sex-linked traits.

Hope for infertile women or those battling failed pregnancies.

Healthier, resilient life-span of engineered humans.

Enhanced cognitive traits of engineered humans.

Personalized medicine for engineered humans.

CONS OF MAKING “DESIGNER BABIES”

Possible health and mental consequences on the individual.

Loss of human Genetic diversity.

Exposure to negative genetic mutations.

Safety risks in conducting the experiment.

Pressure on the child to live up to genetic modification expectations.

Regulatory issues in health institutes and countries worldwide.

ETHICAL CONTROVERSIES SURROUNDING “DESIGNER BABIES”

Social Justice: Enthusiasts argue that it is well within rights to engineer babies especially if the child will grow up to be an active member in society. Opposition counters by bringing up the issue of accessibility because it is obvious that such technology will not be available to the poor hence causing inequality between social classes.

Religious values: Most religions see this technology as sinful and it is often labelled as ‘’Playing God” or “Vexing Nature”. Religiously, only the supreme being should have full authority over the genetic makeup, traits and appearance of all individuals.

Consent and autonomy: Supporters argue that the guardians are well in their rights to choose their babies’ traits after all they will care for it and are responsible legal aids to the child till, he/she is 18 anyway while opposition argues that the child’s rights are infringed and freedom of individual choices is taken away from the child, hence individual right advocates do not support this.

Genetic diversity: Opposition raises the point that if we can choose desired traits for new individuals, no one will want “bad traits” therefore specific characteristics will be lost, diversity due to natural genes also compromised by greedy choices. Supporters argue that this technology could lead to enhanced human survival, intelligence and appearance, a big step into creating better humans.

Safety and Regulation: Supporters query government for support and legalization of this technology due to its obvious pros while opposition cite that if allowed, misappropriation will occur and the adverse effects unimaginable.

Engineered babies are still on the up-rising, not something you would find in any random hospital, nonetheless the ability for such technology to exist does make one consider these facts iterated above and more importantly wonder; would you engineer your baby?

So, dear reader, designing a baby? YES… OR NO?

I would love to know your thoughts in the comments section.

Have a great week!