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Who should pay for bad genes?
1School of Law, University of California, Berkeley (Boalt Hall), USA.
California Law Review
|November 20, 2002
Summary
Parents are increasingly able to influence their children's genes. This article argues parents should be responsible for genetic disadvantages, potentially through a compulsory insurance plan, and do not wrong children by allowing birth with impairments.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Genetics
- Distributive Justice
Background:
- Parents can influence children's genetic makeup through partner choice, gamete/embryo selection, and genetic modification.
- Technological advancements increase parental control over offspring's genetic composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss parental obligations regarding children's genes in a just society.
- To explore the ethical and legal implications of genetic selection and modification.
- To examine parental responsibility for genetic disadvantages and the concept of wrongful birth.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of parental obligations and distributive justice.
- Ethical argumentation concerning genetic interventions and parental responsibility.
- Legal and moral inquiry into the concept of harm in the context of genetic impairments.
Main Results:
- Parents should be responsible for redressing genetic disadvantages arising from their voluntary actions.
- A compulsory insurance plan is proposed as a fair mechanism for compensating genetically disadvantaged children.
- Parents do not wrong a child by allowing its birth with a genetic impairment, but must bear associated costs.
Conclusions:
- Parental responsibility for genetic outcomes is crucial for a just society.
- The state may implement measures to support parents in avoiding the birth of children with severe impairments.
- Ethical frameworks must adapt to the evolving landscape of reproductive technologies and genetic interventions.