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Mary B Mahowald1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the MacLean Center for Clinical Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2050, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. mm46@midway.uchicago.edu

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This essay critiques Ronald Green's "Babies by Design," arguing that reproductive technologies should not be used to select for socially advantageous traits. It highlights flaws in Green's arguments, including an implicit stance on embryo status.

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Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Reproductive Technology
  • Human Genetics

Background:

  • Advancements in reproductive technologies and genetic interventions prompt ethical discussions.
  • The concept of designing babies with specific, socially advantageous traits is a growing area of debate.
  • Ronald M. Green's book, "Babies by Design," advocates for such practices, labeling opposition as "status quo bias."

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically evaluate the ethical arguments presented in Ronald M. Green's "Babies by Design."
  • To identify and analyze flaws in Green's support for using reproductive technologies for trait selection.
  • To examine the implicit ethical positions Green takes, particularly regarding human embryo status.

Main Methods:

  • Critical analysis of ethical arguments concerning reproductive technologies and genetic interventions.
  • Examination of Ronald M. Green's "Babies by Design" for logical consistency and ethical implications.
  • Identification of "status quo bias" within both Green's arguments and those of his opponents.

Main Results:

  • Green's arguments supporting trait selection through reproductive technology exhibit "status quo bias."
  • Green's work implicitly addresses the moral status of human embryos by endorsing interventions that involve embryo creation and loss.
  • The essay identifies several significant flaws in Green's ethical account of designing babies.

Conclusions:

  • The ethical justification for using reproductive technologies to select for socially advantageous traits requires more rigorous examination.
  • Green's "Babies by Design" fails to adequately address the ethical complexities, particularly concerning embryo status.
  • Further ethical deliberation is necessary to navigate the implications of reproductive and genetic interventions.