Designer Babies: Subscription Database

My next step in exploring my topic of human genetic engineering was to explore the library's subscription databases. Initially, I went to Opposing Viewpoints. On this database, I found the article "Human Genetic Engineering is Risky and Should be Stopped," by David King. King opposes human genetic engineering on the basis that it will inevitably lead to purely cosmetic alterations, which will then lead to a society dictated by market forces and eugenics principles. Eugenics is the idea of selectively controlling a hereditary trait in a human or race. Currently, the science is only available to use gene therapy in one individual. Yet, it will not be long before scientists will be able to engineer a gene to become hereditary. It is a very pressing threat. This source also outlined Silver's concept of the GenRich and Naturals. King highlights that this separation would not be beneficial. The article then outlines the negative aspects of human genetic engineering. One such aspect is the safety side genetic engineering. There will never be a time when the risks are at zero, and these risks involve human life. More specifically, a human unable yet to speak for themselves. King also attacks the notion that genetic engineering is good for medical purposes. He states that there is only a small percentage of people for whom genetic engineering is the only option. Diseases are not always passed on, people scared of passing on diseases can adopt, etc. Therefore, King assumes that genetic engineering will mainly be used for cosmetic purposes. His point of view is interesting because he uses past examples to make his point. In one instance King points to the recent environmental problems as indication that humans should not interfere with nature. He asserts that developing this technology will only lead to greater problems for the human race.