Should Baby Editing be Allowed? (by William)

In the internet era where people already abuse the World Wide Web, it is hard to say whether or not we humans will abuse future technologies. As an esteemed comedian, Carrie Snow once muttered, “Technology…is a queer thing. It brings you great gifts with one hand, and it stabs you in the back with the other.” The same goes for designer babies. This novel technology is widely debated by the scientific community. The question is: Where should the line be drawn? Babies should be engineered if the purpose is to help avoid misery and save lives. But if designing babies turns into a way for modifying smarts, looks, and athleticism, then the usage of this technology may make a turn for the worse.

Designing babies could potentially alter every life into a healthy one., cure people of genetic diseases before they are even born, and further scientists’ understanding of the human genome. According to Medical News, “Through genetic manipulation…lifespans could, in fact, be doubled, and offspring would also enjoy better health…” (Zoppi 4). Not only would the average lifespan be improved, but the global citizens would also be able to lead more healthy and active lives. Suicide rates may drop due to the happier nature of the people, and the risk of cancer would most certainly be decreased. For the global population to become happier, one step that baby designing has taken is lowering risks of genetic diseases and disorders, “With genetic diseases and disorders, “With…technique…CFTR-gene can be defected and repaired…” (Science Daily, 3). Ever since CRISPR-CAS9 started being used in 2012, an array of gene-linked diseases have been cured including the life-threatening sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and cancer. Since we have ample technology, children could avoid suffering from such disorders. Simply, babies could be cured before being born.

Lastly, designing babies and editing genes would help scientists understand the human genome better. According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, “By changing a single gene…observe how these changes affect…human health” (NIH 4). By editing human genes, doctors and scientists can gain experience and knowledge on how to treat such diseases. In conclusion, gene editing for babies should be allowed as a treatment for gene-linked diseases, and as a way for scientists to better understand genes.

However, every coin has two faces. Designer babies should be allowed, but with some limitations. It is essential to sometimes question whether the future should be placed in the hands of the “genetically valid.” In the 1997 film, Gattaca, society is made up of “genetically valid” and “genetically invalid” people. The “valids” get high-earning jobs because they have favorable characteristics. Meanwhile, “invalids” do not “qualify” for the same roles as the “valids.”

If the Homo sapiens go too far with baby editing, the future world may end up as if the Nazis had taken over. “Desirable,” would be a direct reference to Hitler’s blonde, blue-eyed Aryans.

All in all, designer babies are a controversial new technology. While there are some concerns from the science community, gene-editing could change the world as we know it in a positive way if there are regulations put in place.