Literature Review - Brandon Hubler

Brandon Hubler
ENG-1201-509
October 20, 2021
Professor Morean
Literature Review on Designer Babies
Ever since they have discovered how to manipulate DNA and the genetic makeup of
organisms there has been a daring thought in the back of everyone in the field of genetics’ mind,
what would happen if humans were to be modified as we see fit? Designer Babies are an
interesting, yet controversial topic in our society. While it is sometimes good to use this type of
technology to treat disease and other medical related issues, some people think that if given to
the wrong hands, it could cause further complications to our human rights and equality.
“Genetic modifications should not be used because it will create an imbalance in society, there
can be unforeseen consequences of enhancing people and to ensure basic human rights are
preserved.”
The concept of Designer Babies has been a reality ever since a Chinese doctor, back in
2018, had successfully created twins who were immune to the HIV virus, by using CRISPR Cas-
9. CRISPR is a biotechnology that allows for the editing of cells. It is mainly used to treat
genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. As for now, these little types of edits
are all they can achieve. It is much harder to edit for a specific gene rather than against one
(Anderson).
One of the issues concerning Designer Babies is that if we go along with enhancing
humans, it will create an imbalance today. In an article by Heather Long, she proposes that
parents will start out small, wanting only to get rid of the genetic diseases. Eventually it will
grow to wanting specific traits for the baby that will give them an advantage over other kids. The
cost of having IVF is also expensive, so the already rich people will have even more of an
advantage over the ones in poverty trying to catch up (Long).
Another issue over the development of Designer Babies is the ethics of essentially
creating a human being inside of a lab. In 2019, Ryan Anderson had written about the Chinese
doctor that had successfully created two genetically modified children. While performing his
experiment, it is believed that there had been numerous human embryos killed trying to get
success. This type of playing around with potential human lives and regarding them as
discardable is very disturbing (Anderson). On the National Human Genome Research Institutes
website there is another article that talks about how there needs to be more research on gene
therapy before we proceed any further on experiments such as the one performed by China
(What are the ethical concerns of genome editing?).
A third issue is the topic on human rights. In the article written by Marcy Darnovsky, she
talks about the Genetic Bill of Rights that states humans have the right to be conceived, gestated,
and born without being genetically modified. In the United States, human rights are more
focused on keeping the people free with liberty after they are born rather than before. If genetic
manipulating children ever gets to a more common practice, then it might end up being a case in
which the parent gets the decision rather than the baby, much like abortion today (Darnovsky).
On the other side of the argument, there are people who believe that Designer Babies are
great for the existence of humankind. In an article written by Hemmy Cho, they bring up
evolution, and how humans already in a way choose their children’s traits through the mates that
they select. They also bring up the fact that humans already enhance themselves through plastic
surgery and getting braces for teeth. The author asks, “why not go a step further and enhance
humans even before they are born” (Cho).
These topics regarding Designer Babies make some good points, and whether humanity
decides to go forward with genetic engineering, there are pros and cons. In one sense, it is logical
to want to get rid of genetic diseases, but once that begins it could potentially lead to much more
controversial practices.
Works Cited
Anderson, Ryan T. "Just Because We Can Create Genetically Modified Babies Doesn't Mean We
Should." Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2021. Gale In Context:
Opposing Viewpoints,
link.gale.com/apps/doc/CRQQSZ281682066/OVIC?u=dayt30401&sid=bookmark-
OVIC&xid=82304eff. Accessed 17 Oct. 2021. Originally published as "Just Because We
Can Create Genetically Modified Babies Doesn't Mean We Should," The Daily Signal, 17
Dec. 2018.
Cho, Hemmy. "Enhancing Humans Through Science Is Beneficial." Designer Babies, edited by
Clayton Farris Naff, Greenhaven Press, 2013. At Issue. Gale In Context: Opposing
Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010850209/OVIC?u=dayt30401&sid=bookmark-
OVIC&xid=a87f9cf0. Accessed 17 Oct. 2021. Originally published as "The Ethics of
Designer Babiesand and The Ethics of Transhumanism,,"
http://www.ethicsofthefuture.com, 30 May 2011.
Darnovsky, Marcy. "Humans Have a Right to Be Born Without Genetic Manipulation." Human
Genetics, edited by Noël Merino, Greenhaven Press, 2010. Current Controversies. Gale In
Context: Opposing Viewpoints,
link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010635218/OVIC?u=dayt30401&sid=bookmark-
OVIC&xid=e49d8df9. Accessed 17 Oct. 2021. Originally published as "Human Rights in a
Post-Human Future," Rights and Liberties in the Biotech Age: Why We Need a Genetic Bill
of Rights, edited by Sheldon Krimsky and Peter Shorett,
Hubler 1
“What Are the Ethical Concerns of Genome Editing?” Genome.gov,

https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/policy-issues/Genome-Editing/ethical-concerns
Long, Heather. "Selecting a Child's Genetic Traits Will Create a Privileged Elite." Human
Genetics, edited by Louise I. Gerdes, Greenhaven Press, 2014. Opposing Viewpoints. Gale
In Context: Opposing Viewpoints,
link.gale.com/apps/doc/EJ3010916210/OVIC?u=dayt30401&sid=bookmark-
OVIC&xid=a1a0e6ec. Accessed 17 Oct. 2021. Originally published as "Designer Babies:
The Ultimate Privileged Elite?" Guardian, 9 July 2013.

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Brandon Hubler

October 20, 2021

Literature Review on Designer Babies

advantage over the ones in poverty trying to catch up (Long).

(What are the ethical concerns of genome editing?).

humans even before they are born” (Cho).

“What Are the Ethical Concerns of Genome Editing?” Genome.gov,

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