I recently read an article called Evolution by Intelligent Design which discussed the possibility of using biotechnology to manipulate genes and the DNA of unborn children. The article discusses the advances in technology that are enabling such gene manipulation to be a possibility. Their belief is that by manipulating genes, they will be able to eliminate diseases that they have otherwise been unable to cure. They also discuss the possibility of creating genes that will prevent children from being unattractive and unintelligent. The article explains that the research and experiments that are being done at the present could allow gay couples to have children by using skin cells from only one of the parents. The article suggests that we humans can be solely responsible for determining our own evolutionary patterns thus creating our own human genome. The scientists in the article support the participation in gene manipulation and believe that in doing so, we can create our own new species.
I have heard on television during current topics in the news that parents may be able to choose the hair color of their unborn child. I was aware that there were scientific breakthroughs taking place regarding gene and DNA manipulation. However, I was not aware that it was to this extent! To think that embryonic cells can be produced using only a few skin cells and that from these cells a human being can be made! I find this not only mind boggling but extremely disturbing. They are taking the guesswork out of the childbearing experience all together. The whole idea of having a child means that you love the child the way it is because it is an extension of you and your significant other; not that you make the child into something that you can love. Having a child, in my opinion, is the only way to experience unconditional love and should NOT be something that we as humans control.
The future of our species is at risk with this new found phenomena. We are all at risk if this becomes something that is readily practiced. Not only will the children being born without this element of gene manipulation be at almost a disadvantage to the children whose DNA are changed but the parents will also have to deal with their children's feelings of inadequacy. Self esteem issues are and always have been something that children struggle with and this would undoubtedly escalate the issue for those whose parents decide against it. On another note, what will happen if the experiments don't go as planned? We could have a million little Frankensteins running around. What if the adverse effects of the experiments didn't show up for many years later and all was thought to be well? There is a lot at risk when thinking about this possibility and I believe that there are just certain things that should be left alone. This is no doubt one of them!
