Designer Babies
“Hmm...I'll have green eyes, and blond hair. Oh yea, make my baby a girl and add few more smarts in there,” a women gives an order on her baby as the doctor makes the bill. If you have the money, why not design your own perfect baby? Many advances in the world of science have been made, especially in the field of genetic engineering. What was never thought possible has now swept the world off its feet. The era of designer babies has yet to come. However, the right question is, is this ethical and moral ; should it be allowed? The term “designer baby” basically describes a child that is genetically modified using genetic engineering and virtual fertilization to ensure the presence or absence of particular genes or characteristics. The concept of “designer babies” is somewhat like a genie in a bottle who is really pushing to get out. Designing your own baby isn't available yet, but within a few years it will be. Old discoveries trigger new ones. The road to the creation of “designer babies” started with the introduction of IVF (in vitro fertilization) which is a method used to help infertile women conceive children (Rosenwaks, 1999). Cytoplasmic transfer was next, this is another method used to help women conceive children even if they've tried unsuccessful attempts of IVF (Elder;Levy;Ménézo 2004). Then came PGD (preimplantation genetic diagnosis) which is used to scan eggs for any diseases (Naik, 2010). From there gender selection was introduced for parents that want to choose what their next child will be. The procedure scientists in the lab would have to go through is complicated. IVF and PGD are both used. First the eggs from the mother's ovarian have to be exerted using IVF. Next using PGD scientists have to identify and isolate the specific genes that control growth and development each individual featured trait characteristic and talent. After that scientists would embyro inserted into the uterus. There are many medical risks that follow the process