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Designer Babies: The Future
Rachelle Ramsubhag
California State University, Sacramento
April 11, 2016

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Abstract
This paper explores the controversial issue of genetically altering embryos resulting in the
eradication of a particular defect or the introduction of specific genes. The human genome
provides scientists with a genetic blueprint of the portions of DNA coding for an inheritable
disease. The Human Genome Project is a collection of scientists from around the globe whose
research has led to the elucidation of over 1,800 genes coding for diseases. CRISPR technology
can identify DNA down to a single letter. Germline gene therapy, the alteration of sex cells,
allows scientists with the power to identify traits for diseases and eliminate them. Chinese
scientists have successfully spliced 28 human embryos with replacement genetic material. This
has created fear that soon the world will be consumed with designing babies only with perfection
and enhancements in mind.

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Introduction:
Imagine a world divided between desirables and undesirables on the basis of genetic
factors. A new meta-species of humans plague the earth demanding to be treated with
superiority. Or would it be more apt to describe those “normal” unmodified humans riddled with
genes for diseases and susceptibility as the real plague? With ever advancing technology, it
seems inevitable that humans are moving towards the revolutionary era of genetically modified
babies. However, society runs the risk of falling into the theme of many dystopian science
fiction movies where the “mad scientist” has gone crazy with genetically fueled
power. Although this dichotomy between science and fiction is an extreme hypothesis, the world
is not far off from witnessing the first designer baby. Oxford Dictionary defines a designer baby
as one whose genetic makeup has been selected in order to eradicate a particular defect, or to
ensure that a particular gene is present. Science is broadening the scope of study from the
observation of singular genes to the genome, or all of a person’s genes. The modification of
genomes would render the nature versus nurture debate as obsolete. Unwanted notions and
behaviors do not need to be tended and shaped; scientists can eliminate unwanted traits.
The preference of “perfect beings” is not a new concept. In the 19th century British
scientist Sir Francis Galton built upon the ideals of Charles Darwin and natural selection through
Eugenics. It is a forceful disruption of the reproductive system through sterilization or
segregation in an attempt to eliminate future unwanted beings (Gillham, 2001). Today, a
promising process called gene therapy allows individuals to replace unhealthy genes with healthy
ones.

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DNA & the Human Genome Project:
Modern biology owes some of its credits to the work of Gregor Mendel and his laws of
hereditary (Tudge, 2001). In simplest form, this means that phenotypic characteristics are passed
down hereditarily. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) contains the blueprint for inherited traits. Its
four chemical bases, adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T), stores its
information. These bases pair to determine the individuality of a being by directing the
combination of amino acids determining what the cell can do. When different parts of DNA,
called genes, are activated, a cell is told which activity to perform. Most organisms are equipped
with a genetic mapping of information known as the genome.
Thought of as the Holy Grail of science, The Human Genome Project (HGP) is an
international cooperative collection of scientific data relevant to the mapping out of the
genome. Started in 1990, its main focus is to correctly map out the sequence of nucleotides A, T,
G, and C allowing the HGP to single out the specific gene corresponding to a certain portion of
DNA (Tudge, 2001). It aims at determining each gene as well as identifying the way they
function. A genetic map will link genes located in proximity to one another as it relates to
inherited traits displayed in families. A physical map will provide scientists with a physical
layout of DNA as it appears on chromosomes to measure distance. “Once it is clear where a
gene is on the genetic map, it should be possible to determine from the physical map which DNA
fragment contains the gene of interest (Sleator, 1997).” These maps are important because they
allow scientists to have a visual aid to work with and narrows down genes coding for
diseases. The HGP has successfully mapped out between 20,000 and 25,000 individual genes as
well as identified around 3 billion chemical base pairs of the genome. It has also elucidated

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1,800 hereditary disease genes (Sleator, 1997). This project has been beneficial to scientists by
speeding up the process from identifying genes causing an inherited disease from years to just a
matter of days. It is not only promising to scientists and doctors, but to the human population at
large.
Gene Therapy:
Gene therapy is a way to genetically correct a defective gene which could not otherwise
have been helped using regular drug-based approaches (Regalado, 2015). Corrective genes are
introduced into the body in order to combat a disease (Figure 1). It is an experimental procedure
used only for diseases in which no other cure is available such as cancer, sickle cell anemia, and
hemophilia.
Figure 1. Gene Therapy Process: Direct Gene Transfer. (Regalado, A., 2015, Retrieved from:
technologyreview.com).

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CRISPR technology has been used by biologists to alter DNA down to a single letter (Regalado,
2015) (see Figure 2). Somatic cell therapy is used to targets only the genes of the person
experiencing the deficiency. Although it could possibly be used to cure a patient of sickle cell
anemia, the process does nothing to prevent offspring from potentially inheriting genes coding
for the disease. However, scientists are able to be even more intrusive by tampering with germ
cells.
Figure 2. Gene silencing and editing with CRISPR (Regalado, A, 2015 Retrieved from:
www.technologyreview.com).
Germline gene therapy is idealized by its promise for future generations through its
alterations of gametes, or sex cells (egg and sperm). This means that genetic changes done to the
parent will be passed down to future offspring. Any genes displaying traits for diseases can
possibly be identified early on and eliminated. Due to its invasive nature, germline engineering

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has sparked bans in other countries such as those in Western Europe. The United States does not
have any such legislation, but there are small organizations, such as the Recombinant DNA
Advisory Council which can regulate publicly funded experimentation (Gallagher, 2015). This
does nothing for the more numerous privately funded experiments who can proceed without
regulations. Without oversight there would be nothing to curb the abuse of this technology
outside of a scientist’s own ethics.
The Morality Debate:
With great power comes great responsibility, and genetically modifying beings is a vast
power indeed. Proponents state that interfering with unhealthy genes is no different than taking
medicine which physiologically affects the body (Powell & Buchanan, 2011). Bioethicist, David
B. Resnik (2004) states that being able to cure Huntington’s disease by inserting healthy genetic
sequences into a person’s genome is beneficial. Medicines aim at taking away illnesses, but they
are only a short fix. Germline enhancements could possibly render medicines unnecessary.
From a scientific aspect, ridding the world of diseases should be the main priority. Princeton
scientist Joe Tsien said, “Everyone wants to be smart, therefore everyone should want genetic
engineering” (Annas, 2000, p. 766). However, increased disparities between the rich and the
poor are cause for concern. The promisingly expensive procedure would ensure the wealthy a
permanent position at the top of the social pyramid. Considering the social ramifications is
important, but equally important is determining the rights of the unborn embryos. The
ambiguous procedure cannot predict future health results from this type of severe gene editing.

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Chinese scientists reported editing nonviable human embryo genomes (two sperm genomes)
which could not result in live births. The unexpected results using CRISPR, found a number of
off-target mutations which could be harmful (Cyranoski & Reardon, 2015). Out of the 86
injected embryos, only 28 of them successfully contained replacement genetic material,
implicating that much work still needs to be done. Using normal embryos could possibly result
in a higher success rate, but there is no data to support that claim.
Designer babies do not focus solely on ensuring the healthy survival of a fetus. Its
promised scope could only fuel perfection hungry parents. Hereditary would no longer decide if
a child is born with red hair or brown eyes. Parents could possibly decide the height or body
build of their future child. Sons towering over 7 feet tall could be bred to ensure excellent
performance in basketball. The military could create its own army of strong, agile soldiers.
Babies reared that fail to meet expectations could have lesser value since parents can just pay to
repeat the procedure; rising abortion rates should be heavily considered. It may rid families of
genetically inherited diseases, but the idea of turning the reproductive process into a human
version of Build-A Bear® may come with deadly consequences of its own.
Conclusion:
Designer babies lead to a debate on the importance between manufacturing and
avoidance. Avoiding illnesses is certainly a huge benefit associated with germ enhancements.
But the conversation of potential abuse to create a generation of only “perfect people” should be
had. Before advancing any further, the world should look into “the right of a human to be a

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human; the dignity of a human, which would be lessened by deliberate genetic manipulation; and
the preservation of human nature” (Spier, 2002). Even if collectively the United States deems
germ enhancements morally wrong, if other countries make great advancements, a repeat of the
nuclear arms race may ensue in the form of genetics. Simply banning the procedure would do
nothing to help with regulations. A black market would arise. Nations would have to come to a
global understanding of restrictions placed on this process followed by all scientists. Genetically
modifying genes, leading to potential lifelong consequences should not be taken lightly. For
once the world has entered the era of beautiful genetically enhanced offspring; there will be no
turning back. The survival of humanity and what that means is at stake.
References

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Annas, George J. The man on the moon, immortality, and other millennial myths: The prospects
and perils of human genetic engineering. Emory Law Journal (2000): 753-82. Print.
Colin, T., (2001). The impact of the gene: From mendel’s peas to designer babies. Union
Square West, NY: Hill and Wang.
Catalano, M. (2012, March). The prospect of designer babies: Is it inevitable? Pit Journal, 3.
Retrieved from http://pitjournal.unc.edu/article/prospect-designer-babies-it-inevitable.
Cyranoski, D. & Reardon, S., ( 2015, April). Chinese scientists genetically modify human
embryos. Nature International Weekly Journal of Science. Retrieved from
www.nature.com/news/chinese-scientists-genetically-modify-human-embryos.
Designer Baby [ Def. 1]. (N.D.). Oxford Dictionaries Online. In Oxford Dictionary. Retrieved
March 20, 2016, from www.oxforddictionaries.com
Gallagher, J., (2015, Jan.). Designer babies debate should start, scientists say. BBC News.
Retrieved from BBC News Website : httpp://www.bbc.com/news/health-30742774.
Gillham, N.W. (2001). Sir francis galton and the birth of eugenics. Annual Review of Eugenics,
35, 83- 101. doi: 10.1146/annurev.genet.35.102401.090055
Powell, R., & Buchanan, A., (2001, Jan.). Breaking evolution’s chains: The prospect of
deliberative genetic modification in humans. Journal of Medicine and Philosophy 36.1:
6-27. Oxford Journals.

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Regalado, A., (2015, March). Engineering the perfect baby. Technology Review. Retrieved
from https://www.technologyreview.com/engineering-the-perfect-baby.
Resnik, D., (2004). Genetic engineering, human. S.G. Post (Ed.). Encyclopedia of Bioethics.
3rd ed. Vol. 2. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2004. 959-66. Gale Virtua. Web.
27 Mar. 2016. Retrieved from: http//jmp.oxfordjournals.org/content/36/1/6.full.
Sleator, A., (1997). The human genome project, gene therapy and patenting. Retrieved from
House of Commons Library Research website: researchbriefings.parliament.uk.
Spier, R.E. Toward a new human species? Science 296.5574 (2002): 1807-09. JSTOR. Web. 15
Mar. 2016.