Heather’s DNA Has Two Mommies
Yale law professor Stephen Carter reports:
The 
U.K. may soon approve a regulatory proposal that would allow scientists to create a human embryo using the DNA of three individuals. The idea is to remove damaged maternal DNA and replace it with genetic material from another woman, in order to reduce the risk of transmitting a mitochondrial disorder.
And here’s the rub:
This all sounds on the surface very clean and high-tech and altruistic. Yet it turns out that lots of people oppose it, including members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and members of the European Parliament involved in its Bioethics Intergroup. What’s striking is how the opponents span the political spectrum. The open letter from the Bioethics Intergroup, for example, was signed by representatives of both the Conservative and Green parties.
Full piece is worth reading. Then tell us what you think in the comments.
What an exciting time of technological advancement.
“The open letter from the Bioethics Intergroup, for example, was signed by representatives of both the Conservative and Green parties.”
It seems this is a severe bipartisan issue. I wonder how many are in favor of this advancement.
“the fear, in other words, is that the DNA modifications will take root not only in the child born of the adjusted embryo, but in all of that child’s descendants.”
We have evolved over billions of years to get this point. And for the first time, we may alter our path completely.
“the fear, in other words, is that the DNA modifications will take root not only in the child born of the adjusted embryo, but in all of that child’s descendants.”
That’s an interesting and relevant argument. At what point will be we creating humans who are so artificial that they could never survive in nature on their own?
Great idea! If they can accurately replace damaged DNA with undamaged, I don’t see what the fuss is.
I don’t see what’s wrong with it either. Personally, I want my kid to be genetically modified to possess super-genius intelligence. I also want him to be 7’2″ (so he can play NBA basketball) and have muscles that makes Hulk Hogan look like a weakling. While scientists are letting me pick all his physical attributes, why not make his eyes blue and his hair blond. He also should have the perfect proportion of facial bone structure, good hair follicles (no male pattern baldness genes) and a firm jaw line. His body needs to have a high degree of symmetry.
Wait a minute! I saw this movie — it was called Gattica. At some point in history it will be regarded as child endangerment to conceive a child naturally and not genetically modify his or her physical and mental attributes.