Is it ever morally permissible to select for deafness in one's child?

Area of Science:

• Reproductive ethics
• Disability studies
• Bioethics

Background:

• Reproductive genetic technologies like preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) offer expanded reproductive choices.
• PGD enables screening of embryos created via in vitro fertilization (IVF) for specific genetic traits.
• While hearing embryos are often selected, some Deaf families desire a deaf child.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the ethical permissibility of selecting for genetic deafness using PGD-IVF.
• To apply Elizabeth Barnes' value-neutral model of disability as mere-difference to deafness.
• To consider the perspectives of Deaf Studies and Disability Studies on deafness and reproductive choices.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of Elizabeth Barnes' value-neutral model of disability.
• Integration of evidence from Deaf Studies and Disability Studies.
• Ethical evaluation of reproductive selection for deafness.

Main Results:

• Deafness can be understood as a cultural identity and a mere difference, not inherently a disability.
• Reproductive selection for deafness, when viewed through this lens, need not cause impermissible moral harm.
• The study challenges widespread disapproval of selecting for deafness.

Conclusions:

• Selecting for genetic deafness is sometimes morally permissible.
• Reproductive choices should consider the value of deafness as a cultural identity.
• Ethical frameworks for reproductive technologies should accommodate diverse family preferences and values.