Recently in biology class we learned about the revolutionary new technology called crispr, which without getting too technical is a way for scientists to edit genes. This means a lot of exciting possibilities such as ending certain diseases that hide in human cells like HIV and herpes, creating an easy cure for cancer, ending genetic diseases, stopping aging, or even genetically modifying embryos, which will be my focus today. Although genetically modified babies may seem far off in the future, crispr and the possibilities that come with it are already becoming a reality. In fact we’re already seeing the beginning of gene editing in things like GMO foods, or glow fish (aquarium fish genetically engineered to glow). Even right now it’s routine to have genetic screenings for your future child while you are pregnant to let you know of any significant genetic mutation such as Down syndrome. Now, let’s start talking about genetically modified children. In the next decade or two scientists believe that after doing routine genetic screenings of your fetus similar to the ones we conduct now, some doctors would be able to genetically modify your fetus so that it does not have a certain genetic error. This would be done to fix issues like colour blindness, cystic fibrosis, or hemophilia. However, soon changing other features of your fetus like it’s hair colour, intelligence level, or metabolism may be done to enhance the child. This poses many ethical questions, starting with how ethical it is to change the genetics of one child and even discussing how changing the genetics of one child will affect their children, and future generations Of course, this is a blog and I love talking about my opinion so here it is. I believe that it wouldn’t be wrong to genetically alter children to make them more suitable for our rapidly changing environment, I would even go as far as to say that I have no problem with the idea of changing your future child’s hair colour or metabolism. However, I believe that one of the biggest problems with genetically modified children is that at least in the beginning, they are not going to be affordable. We already know that having children through IVF is expensive and I believe that genetically modified babies will be even more expensive at first. This would mean that the wealthy would be able to provide their children with these benefits most concerningly, intelligence. This could create an even bigger gap between socioeconomic classes, causing rich people to get richer and poor people to get poorer. One question I’ve been faced with is that if genetically modified babies are so smart wouldn’t they be able to help everyone not just the rich? Although this seems possible I must remind everyone that although ignorance is a common reason for prejudice against the lower class, that still does not mean that being given higher intelligence also increases your morals. As we’ve seen time and time again, billionaires, and now their potentially genetically modified children, will not tend to take into consideration the general population, even when that’s who they used to get to where they are. Let me remind you that I am not against crispr or any other genetic engineering technology and I love the idea of being able to increase people’s “fitness” for our world. I am against billionaires and capitalism hurting humanity through the use of genetic engineering and genetically modified children. Especially when I believe that genetic engineering is something that could truly improve humanity. I also know that not all of you will be in support of genetically modifying children and I am completely open and excited to hear your opinions! If you are interested and would like to learn more about this topic I will direct you to this wonderful YouTube video by “Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell” which you can find at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAhjPd4uNFY (they start specifically discussing gmo babies at 8:13).
Caiti S
9 Comments
riley matthews
5/28/2021 10:23:29 am
Wow Caiti I didn't know this kind of technology was being created and something in our near future. I agree that having genetically modified children would cause a stir in society when it could possibly only be available to those who have the money. On the other hand, altering peoples appearances would be wrong in my opinion. People would only want to look like someone they are not. There would be no differentiation between individuals. Because there is no such thing as a "Perfect Human". Humans have evolved to adapt to their environment for centuries, and it will continue to happen in evolution. Though this new genetic midification technology is cool and all, I think we should leave humans alone for now. Very interesting blog!
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kaya
5/28/2021 10:55:20 am
First off I must say that this is a very interesting topic. I never really heard of genetically modified children. And I agree that if this becomes a thing in the future, only the rich would be able to do it and cause and social economic classes to be even more disrupt. Since they would most likely like to modify their children with the most enhanced intelligence possible. While people with less money would never be able to have this possibility. Though is this becomes a thing in the future, I do love the benefits of it, having your children no have illnesses to help them in our ever changing world today. I think you did a great job talking about your opinion and giving good points to back up your opinion.
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Kaysey
5/28/2021 12:34:45 pm
Oo very interesting topic Caiti. I think such advanced technology like this has its pros and cons. And of course like u mentioned morals and ethics play a role. I think its great if such science was created that we could reverse or prevent diseases and cure cancer. My opionion, I don't like the idea of modifying childrens hair, or their metabolism,etc. I think that should remain unique to the child and if they wanted to change it in the future they should have that choice. I'm excited for what scientific advances appear in the future, I am all for it. I just hope that we don't lost beauty of what human nature gives us. This topic is super interesting though and I loved hearing ur thoughts!
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Nyah Gentry
5/28/2021 12:34:53 pm
This is a very original and unique blog idea. To be honest genetically modified children is a scary post apocalyptic thought for me. I think its incredible that people who are infertile now have more options to expand their family but I feel like if this technology gets in the wrong hands, it can be used to build an army.
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Callie
5/28/2021 12:47:59 pm
This was really cool to read about. Super meta though... don't know If I can get behind super crazy technological advances they all freak me out. I also think all kids are cool the way they are and genetically modifying everyone to be perfect/born without flaws or the way you desire takes away uniqueness and individuality! That being said, there are definitely some good advantages to the process. Very interesting to read about though, well done!
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Tyler Lenton
5/28/2021 12:50:19 pm
I agree with this blog because yes it will turn into the rich being able to give their children everything and to make sure that they will be very healthy when they’re born. But for people who can’t afford it they will have to live everyday hoping that their child gets better and probably sad that they couldn’t give their child the life they deserve if they could’ve afforded it. I like how they are targeting diseases that are hard to deal with growing up and that hopefully they can stop whatever it is before the child is even born. I never even thought of that part of this until reading this. Thank you for sharing this and your opinion!
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Brianna S
5/28/2021 01:28:01 pm
I agree with this blog, the concept of modifying children is a cool and could even be a good idea, but if it’s a matter of only certain classes having access to this technology, it’s a terrifying thought. It would put an even larger division between society’s classes and that’s not a good thing haha. Although that’s true, it would be nice to be able to genetically modify people to maybe not be able to get illnesses or disabilities. Also the thought of new generations having this ability to modify themselves but old people not having it will make them not be up to the standard anymore. I think gmo babies could also cause a lot of originality between eras because of what’s in and that would be cool
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Kiana Birk
5/28/2021 04:52:32 pm
Thank you so much for sharing Caiti. This blog definitely caught my attention as I didn’t know our technology is so advanced. I think this is something really interesting that I will further look into. I do believe that having control over genetics can become controversial as we don’t know to what extent we can make these changes. I appreciate you sharing this with us. Great job!
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Abbey S
5/29/2021 07:04:37 pm
Hey Caiti! I only learned a bit about the crispr in bio 12 this year, but I found the topic to be super interesting. Choosing this topic to write a blog about was a unique and great idea! It was really cool to learn more in depth about the technological advances being made. I can agree that this technology could have some great benefits like curing genetic deformations but using this technology to make cosmetic changes could take away individuality. I also liked how you explained the downsides and how the 1% could use this technology to gain more wealth. Overall this was a great blog!
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