Genes are no guarantee you’ll get the kids you want

Some people are concerned about genetically modified food, with good reason, but I’m more concerned about genetically modified kids.

One of the aims of the science of genetics is to help us be more healthy and resistant to disease. But an Oxford University bioethicist takes it further: He argues that children should be bioengineered to behave in “ethical” ways.

Certain objectionable traits, he says, are genetic, and eliminating them as a child is conceived will lead to a better, more intelligent and less violent society.

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As the science of genetics advances, we will be able to do more. But just because we can doesn’t mean we should. It’s one thing to strive for good health; it’s quite another to fiddle with genes to create (or prevent) a certain personality.

View the original article here: Guest column: Genes no guarantee you’ll get kids you want