Human enhancement: The new eugenics.

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Reproductive Technologies
• Human Genetics

Background:

• The concept of eugenics has evolved, with modern proponents advocating for 'liberal eugenics'.
• This new approach is based on scientific advancements and individual consent, contrasting with historical coercive methods.
• Current reproductive technologies allow for genetic screening of unborn children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the ethical arguments supporting human enhancement through genetic and reproductive technologies.
• To compare the principles and goals of new liberal eugenics with old eugenics.
• To examine the potential impact of medical enhancement on the parent-child relationship.

Main Methods:

• Ethical analysis of arguments for human enhancement.
• Comparative study of historical and contemporary eugenics.
• Review of consequentialist ethical frameworks in reproductive decision-making.

Main Results:

• New eugenics, while scientifically based and consent-driven, shares the goal of developing superior individuals.
• The destruction of unborn children with identified defective genes is a current practice.
• Consequentialist ethics may justify various means to achieve desired genetic outcomes.
• Potential for conditional parental love based on expected child outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Despite advancements, new eugenics raises ethical concerns similar to old eugenics regarding the pursuit of genetic superiority.
• The ethical justification for human enhancement relies on consequentialist reasoning, potentially overlooking intrinsic values.
• The practice of terminating pregnancies due to genetic defects highlights the ethical challenges in reproductive decision-making.