Designer Babies?

I was just reading an article about a little boy with a rare blood disease, whose parents are trying to save by having another baby who will be screened and compatible (and whose stem cells can be used to save the first child), the request was vito'd at first but now they have been given the permission
<*dv_4*> to go ahead. They can at last try having another child to save their first. I understand the objections to this, but also see the need for it. The parental urge to ensure that a child survives is overwhelming. It comes from a place that you don't even know you have before you have children, you will do anything for them. Including endanger another unknown child for their benefit, admittedly this will become harder when the child presents itself, but it is a definite option.

<*dv_0*> The objections to screening come from a fear that children will only be wanted if they are perfect in everyway, but this is an extreme. All potential parents want a normal, healthy child, if I could have chosen for my own to be that way I would. I wouldn't have wanted to spend three days and nights last year in a hospital seeing him, unable even to smile because he was so weak. If i could have spared him that i would have, without a second thought. But would i have chosen his eye colour or build?
<*dv_3*> That is a different question altogether. Parents will do anything to give their children a head start, but if it is so dangerous why give them the option.

Why not restrict the use of screening? Just because they can isolate the gene that determines height, does it mean they should or have to?

Of course not...

All they have to do is restrict the options that are available, is it really that hard to police?

I'm surprised the Ethics board could not see this, they have now added a further wait to this little boys struggle and fight. When the people in charge can't see the wood for the trees, that is when you
<*dv_1*> have to worry.


M

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