Throughout history, science has given us the ability to enter make-believe worlds where modified genetics created super geniuses, flawless beauties and entire populations free of disease. Created from the minds of their authors and brought to life only on paper, the idea of designer or perfect babies was never a reality.
According to Dr. Tony Perry, precise DNA editing is “approaching 100% efficiency already, it’s a case of ‘you shoot you score’.” The DNA editing is accomplished through “Crispr Technology” that allows scientists to cut DNA to make mutations and insert new genetic code.
What this means is, if used on humans, a couple could decide they want the genes removed that increase this risk of inherited diseases such as cancer. Prof Robin Lovell-Badge, from the UK Medical Research Council, says that the new technology could be useful in germ-line therapy to treat men who are infertile due to damaged mutations.
However, the debate needs to go beyond germ-line therapy and whether this DNA editing should be allowed. While some modifications are more complex, only small modifications are required to change the color of an infant’s eyes for example.
Want a light skinned, blonde haired, blue-eyed baby? DNA editing could make it happen. The Nazi party set out to find the “perfect Aryan” child to use as their poster child and had their ideal of what the perfect race would look like — pale skin, blonde hair, blue eyes. They attempted to create a pure race, partially based on these ideal looks.
This DNA editing would make it possible for parents to customize their baby any way they wanted. On a larger scale, it would be possible to create an entire population with ‘ideal looks’ and characteristics. And what happens when something goes wrong and the baby is born with blue eyes instead of the requested brown? Will the parents still want the baby? Will it be accepted by society if it doesn’t fit the ideal look?
Maybe that sounds a little extreme, but it really comes down to this: Just because we can, does it mean we should? Do the potential advantages of DNA editing outweigh the possible undesirable outcomes? Scientists agree that real public debate needs to begin on this issue, so share your thoughts and let us know what you think.
