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The new genetics: promise or threat to children?
1Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London
Bulletin of Medical Ethics
|November 1, 2002
Insights
Genetic modification of children raises profound questions about human identity and intergenerational ethics. This paper explores the philosophical implications of treating children as customizable consumer artifacts.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Philosophy of Medicine
- Sociology of Reproduction
Background:
- The increasing capabilities in genetic technologies prompt ethical considerations.
- Parental and medical desires may influence genetic modifications in offspring.
- Societal views on human identity are challenged by reproductive technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the ethical and philosophical ramifications of viewing children as genetically modifiable entities.
- To examine the impact of genetic interventions on human existence and identity.
- To analyze the implications for intergenerational obligations.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical inquiry and ethical analysis.
- Review of existing literature on bioethics and human identity.
- Exploration of hypothetical scenarios concerning genetic modification.
Main Results:
- Treating children as consumer artifacts risks devaluing human life and individuality.
- Genetic modification at will may erode fundamental concepts of human identity and natural conception.
- Intergenerational obligations may be redefined or undermined by such practices.
Conclusions:
- Urgent ethical deliberation is required regarding the limits of genetic intervention in reproduction.
- Preserving the intrinsic value of human existence is paramount.
- Societal frameworks must adapt to address the challenges posed by emerging biotechnologies.
Abstract:
What will treating children as consumer artefacts, to be changed genetically at parental or medical whim, do to our understanding of human existence, of human identity, or of intergenerational obligations? These issues are explored in a paper based on a lecture given recently at a New Zealand conference.