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Dear Senator Obama,
Humans have long since struggled with how to better themselves and their
children. Since man was first created, he was self-conscious of his body
and his mind, specifically in relation to his fellow humans. Previously,
this act of self-betterment was accomplished by learning to better ones
mind, and exercising to better ones physical appearance. Only recently has
the possibility arisen that we can modify our traits to better suit our
desires. We now, as the most technologically advanced race in known
existence, have the capability to modify our genes, and those of our
future children, in any way we see fit. Through the use of various highly
advanced scientific methods, the possibility of designing our children is
now within our reach.
Yeah, right. As with other technology, the possibility of designing babies
is only realistic for those with the financial means to afford such
technology. And yet, this is hardly a unique situation. Bettering our
minds and bodies in the past has always been restricted to those who can
afford the proper education, a college education, a treadmill, or a
Multiplex membership.
Though the economic issues surrounding designer babies are important,
there are other issues that clearly take precedence. Religion is a topic
that affects nearly all of the world’s population, and is one of the major
issues surrounding designer babies. The act of scientists “playing g-d” to
change the characteristics of an unborn child is especially controversial.
Perhaps this is why many religious groups are strongly against such
genetic manipulation. Sandra Glahn, of the Dallas Theological Seminary,
said in an interview with ABC News that, “I am not saying that genetic
disease is not a very painful, difficult thing to live with, but what I am
saying is ... it's still human.” Which raises the question yet again, is
it right to tamper with nature?
Don’t get me wrong; there are benefits to designing your children. For
one, genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis
could be wiped out even before a baby sees first light. The possibility
also exists to modify genes to reduce the risk of contracting other
diseases that may be gene related. These include several types of cancers
that are believed to be gene related, such as breast and prostate cancer.
I certainly do not object to such techniques being used to eradicate
disease, but I am concerned that once again, these options would only be
available to the rich.
What is more of a concern is abusing the privilege of gene modification.
That is, doctors and geneticists could modify genes so that a child has a
higher IQ. The possibility also exists to change aesthetic characteristics
of your child, such as hair and eye color, and increase testosterone
levels to make a child more athletic. Now, children could be modified to
be disease free, good-looking, naturally smart, and naturally athletic.
The problem is, what happens when everyone modifies there child to be as
good looking, smart, and athletic as possible? Then, no one is unique,
everyone is the same, and good looking, smart, and athletic will be the
norm. Once again, however, the concern of economic inequality arises.
Those without the financial means to modify their children in this way
will fall even further behind the rich and privileged. The possibility
also exists for a new type of dangerous genetic discrimination. That is,
those without the “smartest” or “best looking” genes would be persecuted
by those with the genes. Even worse, we risk the type of Social Darwinism
that may have inspired Hitler and the Nazis to commit genocide. Yes, I
believe the possibility for “genetic genocide” is not at all far-fetched.
Indeed, we can see many similarities between this technology and the idea
of an Aryan master race. The Nazis truly believed they were genetically
superior to everyone else, and thus they were justified in exterminating
these “lesser beings” from the planet. If we allow genetic modification to
go forward unregulated, some people may truly be genetically superior to
the rest of us, a very dangerous possibility.
Ultimately, the possibility to modify the genes of our children is very
exciting and revolutionary. The possibility to eradicate genetic-related
disease, deformity, and other issues now exists. On the other hand, there
exists the possibility that some may abuse this privilege for other means.
If we can eradicate disease, after all, why can’t we make our children
better looking, smarter, and more athletic? We can, but we shouldn’t. If
we do, everyone will be the same. The uniqueness that separates us, that
makes us all human, will no longer exist. Moreover, the poor would not
have access to these technologies, causing them to fall farther behind the
privileged in modern society. Lastly, the possibility for genetic
discrimination is all too real, and something I feel we simply cannot
risk. Therefore, it is my conclusion that modifying one’s would-be child
to eradicate disease is an excellent option, as long as it is offered to
people of all incomes. We should also require strict government regulation
to ensure that those in positions to do so do not abuse this privilege,
and modify other parts of the human genome. Lastly, we should strongly
consider the ethics behind such a move. Is it truly right to play g-d? I’m
not really sure, and I think that should be society’s job to figure out.
If pre-birth, genetic manipulation proceeds in a fair, regulated manner, I
think society will be the beneficiaries. If it does not, we may be forced
to bear unbelievable social and economic consequences. Senator, I implore
you to address this issue now. Please do not allow this dangerous new
advance in genetic technology to proceed unregulated, society simply
cannot survive it.
Sincerely yours,
A High School Student, A
Future Voter, and A Concerned Citizen of Illinois
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