Designer Life : Should Parents Opt for Human Genetic Enhancement in Their Unborn Children?
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Peer-reviewed scientific article |
| Magazine / Source | Ethics and Bioethics (in Central Europe) |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| web | https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ebce-2026-0010 |
| Doi | https://doi.org/10.2478/ebce-2026-0010 |
| Keywords | CRISPR/Cas9; decision-making process; designer babies; eugenics; gene modification; genetic enhancement; enhancement; human enhancement; human genome; parent-child relationship |
| Description | This article analyzes how parents decide whether to allow gene manipulation in their unborn children. First, it clarifies that editing embryos is presented as not only more convenient but also safer than editing adults. Next, it directly refutes two main arguments against letting parents make these decisions: (1) that parental enhancement could decrease love or establish harmful expectations, and (2) that issues arise when parents seek to share their own defects through enhancement. After addressing these arguments, the article explains why only parents should decide whether to pursue genetic improvements for their children. Finally, it introduces a broader decision-making framework: parents have the ultimate authority; experts play a strictly advisory, informational role; and a neutral state ensures the child’s protection. |
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