The idea that we might one day be able to edit the DNA of human
beings is no longer science fiction; it is almost a reality. As a result,
people have been very seriously considering the ethics of developing
“designer babies”. What are the consequences, intended or otherwise?
Goal
Articulate a well-reasoned opinion, based on verifiable scientific and/or
social realities, with a clearly defined stance on the ethics of gene editing
and “designer babies” in order to convince your audience to accept your
perspective
Role
Your choice of:
A politician fighting to establish new laws
A lawyer arguing in a court case
A parent, prospective parent, or parent associationA advocate for health care providers/patients
Audience
Depending on your chosen role:
The legislative body/the voting public
A judge/jury hearing a case regarding some aspect of gene editing
A doctor/scientist contemplating offering gene editing services
The government hearing a case for allowing/disallowing gene
editing
Scenario
We, as a society, are on the verge of having to grapple with the very real
possibility that it will soon be possible to edit the genome of a person
before they are conceived. Consequently, we have to decide what we, as a
society, believe is an acceptable use of this technology and what is not.
Product
A two-page persuasive essay, from the perspective of your chosen role,
designed to convince the corresponding audience to accept your
perspective on the ethics of gene editing.
Your essay must:
Argue for or against gene editing for the purpose of altering each of
the traits listed below
Support your argument regarding each trait by discussing the
consequences (intended or otherwise) of allowing/disallowing editing
for that trait
Traits:
Gender
Intelligence
Personality
Physical Appearance
Physical Abilities
Prevention of Genetic Disorders
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